:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69321103/1307953558.0.jpg)
As expected, the Virginia Tech Hokies will headline the 2021 NIT Tip-Off Tournament held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The tournament runs from Nov. 24-26.
The tournament opens on Wednesday, November 24, and the consolation and championship games are played on Friday, November 26.
Also in the tournament is Memphis, Iowa State and Xavier.
This is the first time since 2011 the Hokies will play in this tournament. Things didn’t go so well that year with Virginia Tech, but this is a different era for VT basketball.
The field is full of competitive teams. Memphis is coached by the legendary Penny Hardaway and generally features at least one future NBA player.
Xavier has quietly been one of the more underrated college basketball teams over the last 25 years. The Musketeers are coached by Travis Steele and return most of their team in 2021-22.
Iowa State will have a new coach T.J. Otzelberger and a star freshman in guard Tyrese Hunter.
The annual tournament was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
One of CBB's most historic early-season events
— NIT Season Tip-Off (@NITTipOff) May 20, 2021
@barclayscenter | Brooklyn, NY
Nov. 24 & 26 - Thanksgiving Week
Will be up for grabs! @IowaStateMBB @Memphis_MBB @HokiesMBB @XavierMBB
Sign up for our ticket pre-sale here > https://t.co/dZBTqCz9Ky pic.twitter.com/SuPc71Mzc2