Well, I have to weigh in here and I really only have one comment to make:
FU NIT, I will take a one and done in the NCAA tournament any day.
If you really think Iowa is getting that much exposure, don't kid yourself. The thing is people except with rooting interests don't watch the NIT.
Iowa played at Virginia last night, yes they actually won a road game, but keep in mind Virginia had how many losses against top 100 RPI teams? They were an 11-win ACC team in a very down ACC, just take a look at how well Miami is playing tonight and it won't surprise me if MSU knocks off Duke.
Because I am ripping the ACC, Iowa will now probably lose to Maryland, but hey it was a nice run in the NIT...
Programs are more respected by making the NCAA tournament and how good Iowa is next year has nothing to do with how well they do in the NIT, sorry it just doesn't. Look at Stanford and Minnesota last year, Stanford back in the NIT and Minnesota barely made it in the NCAA. Oregon is probably the best team in the NCAA from last year's NIT and they didn't make the Semis IIRC.
What matters for Iowa next year is this:
1. No sophomore slumps
2. Marble performs against good teams and plays PG
3. 15/2 shoot like they have the last couple of games
4. Woodbury plays 25 mpg; he has played really well the last few weeks
5. Shot selection and ball movement, which is why Iowa won last night, a lot of extra passes and not too many forced shots.
It is all well and good that Iowa is playing well right now and I enjoy watching Iowa play, just wish it was tonight, tomorrow, Saturday or Sunday...or even those same four days last week.
Iowa basketball has arrived again and next year is going to be really fun and for years to come.