LSU, Coach Matt McMahon Decline NIT Bid, End Season at 14-18
The LSU men’s basketball team has officially wrapped up its 2024-25 season, opting not to participate in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) after finishing with a 14-18 record. Head coach Matt McMahon and the program made the decision following their early exit from the SEC Tournament, bringing an end to a challenging year filled with inconsistency and missed opportunities.
For McMahon, who just completed his second season at the helm, the decision to turn down an NIT invitation reflects a broader focus on the future of the program. With LSU struggling to find consistency in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference, the team is shifting its attention toward offseason development, player retention, and recruiting.
A Season of Struggles
LSU’s 2024-25 campaign was filled with ups and downs, as the Tigers failed to establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the SEC. Despite flashes of promise, including key wins against ranked opponents, the team struggled with defensive lapses, inconsistent shooting, and a lack of depth. Their conference record left them near the bottom of the standings, making an NCAA Tournament berth an unrealistic goal by the latter half of the season.
McMahon, who took over the program in 2022 after Will Wade’s dismissal, has been working to rebuild LSU basketball in a difficult SEC landscape. However, back-to-back losing seasons have raised questions about the program’s trajectory and whether the Tigers can regain their footing as a top-tier team in the near future.
Why Decline the NIT?
While some programs view the NIT as an opportunity for additional playing time and postseason experience, LSU’s decision to decline an invitation suggests a focus on long-term development rather than short-term competition. There are several potential factors behind this move:
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Roster Stability: LSU could be looking to retool its roster, with transfer portal movement likely playing a role in the offseason. Players may be weighing their options, and the coaching staff could prioritize retention and recruiting over a few extra games.
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Injury and Fatigue: After a grueling season, some teams opt out of the NIT to allow players to recover and reset for the next year. If key players were dealing with nagging injuries, rest and recovery may be a priority.
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Program Optics: A program like LSU, with a strong basketball tradition, may view an NIT appearance as a step backward rather than forward. Choosing to decline could be a statement that expectations remain high and that the focus is on making a return to the NCAA Tournament rather than settling for secondary postseason play.
What’s Next for LSU?
With the season officially over, all eyes turn toward McMahon and his next steps. Recruiting will be a major focus, as the Tigers look to bring in fresh talent to bolster a roster that struggled to compete with the SEC’s elite. The transfer portal will also be crucial, as LSU must not only add key pieces but also retain its top contributors.
McMahon faces growing pressure to turn things around quickly. Another disappointing season could put his job security in question, making the 2025-26 campaign a critical one for both him and the program.
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