The National Invitation Tournament was originated by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association in 1938.
Responsibility for its administration was transferred two years later to local colleges, first known as the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Committee and in 1948, as the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association (MIBA), which comprised representatives from five New York City schools: Fordham University, Manhattan College, New York University, St. John's University, and Wagner College.
Originally all of the teams qualifying for the tournament were invited to New York City, and all games were played at Madison Square Garden.
[1][2] Perennial power Kansas made its first NIT appearance, losing in the final to Dayton.
The Jayhawks returned to the NIT the next season for the last time.