Wake Forest Accepts NIT Bid After Declining Last Year

The Deacons' decisions to participate and not participate in the NIT were both the right calls.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:05pm

Wake Forest has decided to participate in the NIT tournament this season after declining an invitation last year. The Deacons' choices to accept and decline the NIT bid in consecutive years were both the right decisions according to the author.

Why it matters

Wake Forest's basketball program has faced ups and downs in recent seasons, and the team's approach to the NIT tournament reflects their strategic decision-making around postseason play.

The details

Last year, Wake Forest declined an invitation to the NIT tournament, a decision the author argues was the right call at the time. This year, the Deacons have accepted an NIT bid, which the author also believes is the appropriate choice for the program's current situation.

  • Wake Forest declined an NIT invitation in 2025.
  • Wake Forest has accepted an NIT invitation in 2026.

The players

Wake Forest

The NCAA Division I basketball program at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

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The takeaway

Wake Forest's willingness to participate or not participate in the NIT tournament reflects their strategic approach to postseason play and the evolving state of their basketball program.