people would have looked at that as validation that Pitt had a good season and doesn't need a talent overhaul. Finishing with a losing record in the ACC and going to the NIT should be a wakeup call
first off unless you are happy with the present roster then yes going to the NCAA's would have been a mistake. Most coaches are reluctant to make wholesale changes on a team that has just made the NCAA tournament. A team that barely makes the NIT is apt to wholesale changes.