Preaseason NIT Semifinals Preview: Purdue-BC and Oklahoma-UAB

While the Preseason NIT field has been stronger in past years, this year's semifinal teams should not be overlooked. The quartet still features two top-15 teams and arguably the best player in the country. No. 9 Purdue (4-0) and No. 13 Oklahoma (4-0), with star forward Blake Griffin, will both be in action tonight at Madison Square Garden. It's a shame that New Yorkers don't get to see Stephen Curry and Davidson, who lost to the Sooners, but they'll get their chance in December when the Wildcats come to the Garden for the Jimmy V Classic. It's not like Griffin isn't equally dazzling. The 6'10" sophomore would've been a lottery pick in last year's NBA Draft, but he decided to return to school. He is a rare combination of the four S's—speed, size, strength, and skill—that makes him perhaps the most dominant player in college basketball. Through four games this season, Griffin is averaging 26 points and 19.8 rebounds per contest. Oklahoma's opponent tonight, UAB, has a trio of scorers ... (link)