I've been asked several times over the past week whether or not UALR was invited to play in the CBI or CIT. Both tournaments talked to UALR but I don't know if a formal invitation to play was extended. Therefore I can't tell you whether or not UALR even had an invitation to turn down.
But given UALR's past stance on these tournaments, I never thought it was likely they would participate.
This was from an Associated Press story in 2009 when a 23-8 UALR team missed out on the NIT after a semifinal loss in the Sun Belt Tournament. UALR then turned down bids to both the CBI and CIT.
"The CBI and the CollegeInsider -- I give those people a lot of credit for starting new tournaments and that's great -- but our goal was to play in the NCAA or the NIT," UALR Athletic Director Chris Peterson said.
UALR's resume was not as solid this year. But judging by the teams that were selected, UALR would have definitely been in the mix. UALR did practice last week but it's hopes for postseason appeared to have ended when players were sent home for Spring Break.
UALR had only one senior this season in walk-on Ted Crass. If everyone returns, UALR will have one of the most experienced lineups in Division I next season.
