NEW YORK --- The National Invitation Tournament continues its evolution, announcing today that the NIT Postseason field will be comprised of 32 teams.

At its recently concluded summer meetings held in New York City, the NIT Committee recommended to the board of the NIT, L.L.C, that the post season NIT be a 32-team format, reversing a change in 2002 when the tournament was expanded to 40 teams. A study of team and fan feedback concluded that the tournament is best structured when comprised of four eight-team regions.

“After examining the structure and operation of the event, the Committee determined that a 32- team field is in the best interest of the championship. It is more logical in terms of structure, easier to follow for fans and participants, more workable in bracketing, it allows more scheduling flexibility and it also eases the burden on travel,” commented committee chair and Naismith Hall of Famer, C.M. Newton. “We studied different options very carefully and having been through the post season tournament last March, we are confident that a 32-team NIT is the way to go,” he added.

The 2006 post season NIT was the first ever chosen by an independent at-large committee, a change that came about when the NIT, L.L.C., which is owned by the NCAA, took over the tournament reigns in August of 2005.

Besides committee chair Newton, the selection committee includes Dean Smith, who also is in the Naismith Hall of Fame, along with Don DeVoe, Reggie Minton, Carroll Williams and Jack Powers. All members of the NIT Selection Committee have experience as head basketball coaches.