WVU fans clash over whether to accept potential postseason bids

WVU basketball dropped their first game of the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday, and with it they fell from NCAA Tournament contention ahead of Selection Sunday. But that doesn't mean their season necessarily has to end.

The Mountaineers will likely earn an invite to either the College Basketball Crown or the NIT, although they can turn down alternative postseason options once they're left out of the NCAA Tournament field. That's the route they took last year.

Both options have merits, but those who follow and support the program seem to be torn on which route they'd prefer to see West Virginia take. So what's the right choice for the program.

Should WVU play in College Basketball Crown or NIT, or bring season to a close?

Many fans who are resigned to the fact that the Mountaineers are who they are as a team seem to have grown tired of watching the group play.

The Mountaineers are predictable, and while they can beat opponents at a similar level of talent (and sometimes even NCAA Tournament caliber opponents), it's easy to foresee the exact end to any potential tournament game for WVU – a close loss, either in a comeback after falling behind by double digits or after a strong rally from an opponent the Mountaineers. Either way, the root cause of the struggle will be an offense that goes ice cold for large chunks of game action.

Many WVU fans don't want to see that happen again, and as such have expressed displeasure at the idea of having to stomach any more basketball. But there are reasons fans want to the team to play, too. The College Basketball Crown offers NIL opportunities, which fans see as a beneficial reason to take an invite to that tournament. And a potential grudge match with former head coach Darian DeVries is a possibility as Indiana continues to play their way off the NCAA Tournament bubble.

One things we didn't see many fan mention that's also a positive of playing? Extra practice time for freshmen players like Amir Jenkins, DJ Thomas, and Jaden Forsythe, who will all (hopefully) return to the program next season. Check out the debate on social media over the matter below, and let us know how you feel about whether or not WVU should accept a postseason invite.