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NIT 2011: Klay Thompson Ready For Long Beach State, Expects Deep NIT Run

The Washington State Cougars received a No. 2 seed in the NIT on Sunday and the reactions came rolling in . The Cougars will face Long Beach State in the opening round as they work their way through the NIT bracket on the road to Madison Square Garden. On Sunday night, Washington State’s Klay Thompson and head coach Ken Bone reacted to the news in an interview and video released by the WSU athletic department.

In a video, passed along by CougCenter, Thompson talked about the Cougars’ chances in the NIT while discussing the lack of respect for the Pac-10. Thompson said he didn’t think this year was a down year for the conference, and wondered if East Coast bias to blame. Six Pac-10 teams made either the NCAA Tournament or NIT, with four making it to the Big Dance.

Head coach Ken Bone added his thoughts in an interview with Vince Grippi of The Spokesman-Review. While Washington State’s first game in Pullman will be played while the students are on Spring Break, Bone was excited for at least one home game.

“I think it’s great” being at home, coach Ken Bone said. “It’s nice to be able to play on our home court. Unfortunately our students will not be here, but I would still rather be at home than on the road.”

Check out the full NIT bracket ahead of Wednesday’s game and stop by CougCenter for more on the Cougs. For more on the tournament, visit our NIT StoryStream.