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Jan. 18, 2001

LARAMIE, Wyo. -

Wyoming's basketball program has taken another step toward national respectability with the announcement that the Cowboys have been invited to the 2001 Pre-Season NIT Tournament, Head Coach Steve McClain announced Thursday.

Wyoming's appearance marks its first in what is considered one of the top early-season tourneys in the country. Tournament pairings and host teams will be announced toward the end of the season, McClain said. The first round is scheduled for Nov. 12, and 13, of 2001. The second round is Nov.14-15 and 16, and the semin-finals and finals in New York City are set for Nov. 21 and Nov. 23.

"This invitation shows our players and fans that the respect we are striving for is coming," McClain."This speaks highly of our program because this is one of the elite tournaments. There is no question that the tradition Wyoming has with the NIT had an effect on our being in the tournament.

"I want to thank Lee (Moon) because he was instrumental in the NIT picking us to be a part of the tournament. The opportunity to get in might have slipped by us had he not acted quickly when a spot was open. Our program is extremely appreciative of the work he did.

"I really like the level of competition we will face," McClain continued. "There are no average teams in this tournament. I'm happy for our fans and for our players. They are excited, and understand the high-profile nature of the event. There's great competition, and excellent television exposure. Hopefully we will receive a home game so our great fans can get a flavor of this tournament."

"We are really excited about it," said Athletics Director Lee Moon. "I think it is a tremendous opportunity and a statement about the direction of our program. There are so many benefits for a program to be a part of something like this. Hopefully we will be awarded an additional home opportunity, and the chance to bring another quality team to Laramie. The exposure is outstanding, and the further a program advances the more national respectability it receives. It gives a program a great opporunity to be evaluated on a national level.

"We are extremely pleased that the NIT Committee had that kind of respect for Wyoming. I'm sure committee members will be watching the Cowboys, and evaluating the size of our crowds for the rest of the season to determine whether we will host a game in the tournament," Moon concluded.