Liberty vs. VT NIT decision show different levels + ASeaofRed.com founder Jon Manson

·26 min·2 clips

Why did Virginia Tech's coach Mike Young go from 'sign me up' for the NIT two years ago to his team abstaining now?

["The episode opens with host Ed Lane in a hot studio, joking about a green jacket for St. Patrick's Day before introducing the main topic: Liberty's NIT game against George Mason.", "Lane immediately frames a central dichotomy: Power Five (and Big East) programs versus 'the rest of y'all' in their approach to the NIT.", "He posits that for 'mercenary-based' power programs, it's increasingly hard to get players to buy into the NIT, comparing it to opting out of professional sports playoffs.", "Lane contrasts this with the emotional attachment of Virginia Tech fans, referencing David Cunningham of TechSideline.com.", "He introduces a key piece of evidence: a 2022 quote from Virginia Tech coach Mike Young enthusiastically welcoming an NIT bid.", "Lane asks what changed in two years, answering that 'everything changed' due to the prevalence of NIL and a professional athlete mindset.", "He suggests the NIT has more meaning for schools like Liberty and George Mason, where regional rivalries and brotherhood are stronger.", "Lane notes that Auburn is in Liberty's NIT region and that ACC schools like Virginia Tech, Florida State, Wake Forest, and Pitt have recently declined NIT bids.", "He plays a clip of Liberty coach Richie McKay speaking about gratitude and brotherhood, arguing this sentiment is more applicable at Liberty's level.", "Lane then introduces guest Jon Manson, founder of ASeaofRed.com, to get his perspective on the thesis.", "Manson agrees, noting Liberty was disappointed to miss the NCAA tournament but the team can now 'go out fighting' in the NIT.", "When asked about the 'brotherhood' at Liberty, Manson details how Coach McKay has built a unique program where players want to play for the jersey.", "He gives the specific example of player Caden Matheny, who was in a 'dark place' at Bowling Green but found renewed purpose at Liberty.", "The conversation shifts to whether Coach McKay might leave Liberty for another job, with Lane analyzing current openings like Boston College and Georgia Tech.", "Manson compares McKay to former Liberty football coach Hugh Freeze, suggesting McKay wouldn't leave at the first opportunity but his future is uncertain.", "Manson highlights Liberty's scheduling progress, like securing a home-and-home with Dayton, as evidence of the program's elevated stature under McKay.", "Lane asks Manson about the feasibility of a Liberty-George Mason series, which Manson supports as a logical regional rivalry.", "The discussion pivots to Liberty women's basketball under first-year coach Alexis Sherrard, who led a late-season surge to finish tied for third in Conference USA.", "Manson praises Sherrard's job, noting the team improved despite injuries and has a promising young core like Ife Nawabi and Avery Mills.", "The episode concludes with a tease for upcoming March Madness coverage and bracket analysis with Debbie Antonelli."]

As heard by us

A clear, culture-focused look at why the NIT can carry different weight for Liberty and bigger programs.

Liberty's NIT appearance works best here as a test of postseason buy-in. The host frames Liberty and George Mason as programs that can still treat extra basketball as meaningful because the culture keeps players invested, while Virginia Tech and Florida State sit on the other…

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Want to hear why Liberty may approach the NIT differently than bigger programs like Virginia Tech?

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