Seth Greenberg sticks up for NIT

On Wednesday night, a reporter Virginia Tech Coach Seth Greenberg that he looked tired and weary. It had been a tough 72 hours for Greenberg, whose team was narrowly left out of the NCAA tournament.

"Thanks," Greenberg replied with a chuckle.

But for all the heartache he's felt since Selection Sunday, Greenberg defended the National Invitation Tournament on Wednesday as an accomplishment and explained his affection for the tournament because, as a Long Island native, he used to go attend the games at Madison Square Garden with his father.

"I have an unbelievable appreciation for the NIT," Greenberg said, striking a nostalgic tone. "I have appreciation for going to old MSG and going to these games. To me, it’s a special place, and it’s a national tournament. It's something unfortunately, because of our culture, is not celebrated. Because there are really good teams in this tournament."

Greenberg added: "I respect the field, and I respect the event. That’s real."