LSU men’s basketball has made its decision regarding an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), ending speculation about whether the Tigers would participate in postseason play. The program officially announced that it will **(accept/decline)** the bid, setting the course for what’s next after a challenging season.
### A Look at LSU’s Season
The Tigers entered the 2024-25 season with hopes of making a strong NCAA Tournament push under head coach Matt McMahon. However, inconsistent play, injuries, and tough SEC competition led to LSU finishing the regular season outside the NCAA Tournament field. While the Tigers showed flashes of potential, they ultimately fell short of the committee’s selection criteria, leaving the NIT as their best postseason opportunity.
### Why LSU **(Accepted/Declined)** the NIT
**(If accepted)**: LSU’s decision to participate in the NIT allows the team to extend its season, gain more experience, and provide its younger players with valuable postseason minutes. Many programs use the NIT as a stepping stone for future success, and LSU could benefit from the extra games. Additionally, playing in the tournament gives the Tigers a chance to compete for a championship, even if it’s not on the NCAA Tournament stage.
**(If declined)**: Declining the NIT suggests that LSU is shifting its focus to the future. Some teams opt out of the tournament due to injuries, roster concerns, or the belief that the additional games wouldn’t significantly benefit the program. In LSU’s case, head coach Matt McMahon and his staff may have decided to prioritize offseason development, recruiting, and preparing for a fresh start in the next campaign.
### LSU’s Postseason History
The Tigers have a mixed history with the NIT. While LSU has traditionally been an NCAA Tournament-caliber program, it has participated in the NIT multiple times, with varying degrees of success. Some past appearances have served as building blocks for future NCAA Tournament runs, while others marked the end of difficult seasons.
Regardless of the decision, LSU will now turn its attention to the offseason, focusing on roster management, recruiting, and making adjustments for the 2025-26 season. The Tigers will look to strengthen their squad through high school commitments and the transfer portal, hoping to return to NCAA Tournament contention in the near future.
### What’s Next for LSU Basketball?
If LSU is competing in the NIT, the Tigers will soon learn their first-round opponent and travel plans. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs and whether they can make a deep run.
If LSU has opted out, attention shifts to offseason moves, including potential coaching staff changes, player departures, and new recruits. With the SEC becoming increasingly competitive, McMahon and his staff will need to make strategic decisions to ensure LSU is back in the mix for the NCAA Tournament next year.
Regardless of the outcome, the Tigers’ decision on the NIT marks an important moment for the program as it looks to the future.