Mick Cronin on possibly accepting NIT bid: 'I haven't even thought about that'

Just a few weeks ago, nobody would have UCLA to play any kind of postseason basketball. They were three games under .500 and struggling to find wins. However, Mick Cronin has turned the ship around as UCLA went on a six-game winning streak until it was snapped vs. Utah on Sunday.

Now, the NCAA Tournament is not likely for the Bruins. Cronin does not have the resume in what has been a weak Pac-12 this season. The conference tournament championship is certainly possible for the automatic bid but if anything, an invite to the NIT is the most likely route.

Cronin was asked if the invitation was extended by the NIT, would UCLA accept? While the thought had not been on his mind, two immediate concerns popped into his head. First, making sure his team was healthy enough was the top priority. And then if playing in non-NCAA Tournament games took UCLA away from improving for next season, Cronin would likely decline.

“I haven’t thought about that,” Cronin said. “I would say, off the top of my head, the health of our team would be a big consideration for that. Health of our players. We’ve had some guys resting this week that have been a little banged up. And then the topper to that would be — when does the portal open? And do you want to be distracted in a critical time for recruiting? Weight that. Those would be the two things off the top of my head.”

UCLA is a relatively young team, with three of the top four scorers being a sophomore or younger. Struggles came early in the season but as the calendar moved along, success eventually came. Getting experience in a postseason-type atmosphere could be beneficial before moving into 2024-2025.

Unfortunately, Cronin does not see the NIT as anything close to the NCAA Tournament. If anything, participating would just get his players some more experience.

“I don’t know if that’s a postseason environment comparable to the NCAA Tournament,” Cronin said. “It’s extra games if you win.”

The last time UCLA did not make the NCAA Tournament (COVID-19 not counting) was in 2019. But an NIT appearance for the Bruins last came in 1986, making it nearly 40 years. One of the proudest programs in all of college basketball means they expect to compete for national championships.

If circumstances are right, Cronin would consider playing in the NIT. There is still a long way to go before receiving an invitation, though.