Just a couple of quick things to pass along regarding WSU's selection to the NIT as we wrap up the night.
Vince Grippi caught up with Ken Bone to put together this reaction piece, focusing both on the achievement for WSU and on the homecoming of former Gonzaga coach Dan Monson, now the coach at Long Beach State.
"I think it’s great" being at home, coach Ken Bone said. "It’s nice to be able to play on our home court. Unfortunately our students will not be here, but I would still rather be at home than on the road."
Monson's return to the Inland Empire will be a nice story in the days leading up to the matchup. One of the interesting things in Grippi's story is Monson's take on the mental state of his 49ers, who won the Big West but lost in the tournament championship game:
"They are as devastated of a team as I've had to deal with with right now," he said. "It was very emotional to deal with after the game, they're still not ready to move on."
Bonus! Here's a quick interview with Klay Thompson with his thoughts on the NIT.
Klay Thompson on the NIT (via WSUCougarAthletics)