What the data shows
What does UW-Green Bay’s decision to decline a postseason invitation signify for the future of college basketball? Doug Gottlieb, the head coach of the UW-Green Bay men’s basketball team, confirmed that the team has opted out of participating in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) following the tournament’s announcement that it would not be held in 2026 due to circumstances beyond their control.
Gottlieb stated succinctly, “We passed,” regarding the decision on the CBI invitation. This marks a notable moment for the program, which has seen significant improvement under Gottlieb’s leadership. In just his second year, the team improved its record from a dismal 4-28 the previous season to a more respectable 18-15.
The CBI has been regarded as a vital alternative postseason event for men’s basketball, providing additional opportunities for teams that do not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. However, the recent folding of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament last year has further reduced postseason options for teams like UW-Green Bay.
Green Bay’s season concluded with a 96-79 loss to Northern Kentucky in the second round of the Horizon League Tournament, which likely influenced the decision to decline the CBI invitation. The team’s performance this season was a marked improvement, but the loss may have left them feeling that they were not ready for another postseason challenge.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific reasons behind the CBI’s cancellation. The announcement did not clarify the circumstances that led to this decision, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating about the future of postseason play in college basketball.
As the landscape of college basketball continues to evolve, the implications of UW-Green Bay’s decision and the CBI’s cancellation could have lasting effects on how teams approach postseason opportunities. The Crown’s model, which includes name, image, and likeness payments for participating teams, may also play a role in shaping future tournament structures.
For now, UW-Green Bay will focus on building for the next season, with hopes of continuing the upward trajectory established under Doug Gottlieb. The decision to pass on the CBI may reflect a strategic choice to prioritize future success over immediate postseason participation.
