Lunardi is better than anyone at predicting the field, and frankly, with 9, maybe 10 freshman the NIT would be nothing to be ashamed of. These kids might be more prepared than Lunardi is giving them credit for, but I like that he's not blowing them up ala Sports Illustrated 1994.
Expectations will be there but I'd rather not see any pre season pubs predicting greatness immediately. It backfired big time in 1995 and by game 4 it was clear that we stunk.