Led by Thomas, the Friars made an NIT bid in 1999.
Hinson's Bears lost to Creighton in the finals, but their 18-12 record earned themselves an NIT bid.
The NIT bid showed the enthusiasm building around the program, over 13,000 tickets were sold in under twenty-four hours.
However, the team proceeded to earn an NIT bid.
The 2000 team improved to 19-15, earning an NIT bid.
The Cougars won only one conference tournament game and had to settle again for another NIT bid.
The team rejected a NIT bid because of travel arrangement issues associated with the players' ability to attend classes, causing their first year without a postseason since 1974.
That season, Durham led Georgia to the school's first ever post-season tournament as the Bulldogs received an NIT bid.
The team earned an NIT bid, Texas A&M's first postseason in 11 years, reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The Owls went 3-2 to secure an NIT bid.