CBB world loves NIT school’s ‘Manager Olympics’

Indiana State will open its NIT at home on Wednesday against SMU. Anyone on the Sycamores bench during the NIT will have earned that spot. That includes players, coaches, trainers and team managers.

The NIT has regulations on how many people can be on a team’s bench during a game. Only one spot is allotted for team managers. So, how did the Sycamores choose which team manager will be on the bench during the games? Through a contest. Specifically, through the Manager Olympics.

Coach Josh Schertz shared a video on Twitter/X on Tuesday, showing what the Manager Olympics are. The video started with a participant running onto the court from the bench area and placing a folding chair on the court. He then picked up a basketball on the elbow and dribbled it up the court, weaving through a series of obstacles. After making a lay-up, he picked up a towel and wiped part of the court down. The video finished with the participant running the length of the court with a mop in hand.

Due to stringent bench seating limitations imposed by the NIT we only have ONE spot available for the best managerial staff in college basketball. The only equitable way to choose is thru the Manager Olympics👇
🌳🏀💙 pic.twitter.com/d2Mu3fQkxe

— Josh Schertz (@JoshSchertzSLU) March 19, 2024

“Due to stringent bench seating limitations imposed by the NIT we only have ONE spot available for the best managerial staff in college basketball” Schertz tweeted. “The only equitable way to choose is thru the Manager Olympics.”

While fans didn’t like the rule, they did like Indiana State’s approach to it.

This is the only fair approach, but Coach don't leave us hanging. Who won? We need the final results! https://t.co/NSGwfthjCU

— Manager Games (@ManagerGames_) March 20, 2024

This is fair.

— Auntie Throw Sumthin – the Community Coach ⚪💣🥇 (@ThrowSumthin) March 20, 2024

This is awesome! Josh Schertz is the best! https://t.co/MjnT6ECom1

— Mid-Major Basketball (@midmajorball) March 20, 2024

Now this. This I can get behind. Full support from me. https://t.co/gN2KHKCls6

— Jacob Bigelow (@JacobABigelow) March 20, 2024

I wish I could love the Manager Olympics any more — but I can’t.

While there may be a “good” reason for the dumb rule about seat limits, it doesn’t make it less dumb. Managers are the backbone of every program, and to limit them to this level is egregious. https://t.co/K6RjHtLJA1

— Jeff Bidwell (@AKAJeffBidwell) March 20, 2024

[Photo/Video Credit: Josh Schertz on Twitter/X]