re: Is it better to go deep in the NIT or lose in first round of NCAA's

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This is the thing. You can't assume ANY underclassmen are returning in 2024. Most rosters are almost completely turned over from season to season these days, and even with the few that may wind up hanging on to most of their guys, I don't think NIT momentum carries over in any meaningful way to the next season.

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Exactly.

All one has to do is look at Vanderbilt last year for proof of that. Vandy got red-hot to end SEC play 8-1 for an overall SEC record of 11-7. This, after a non-conf performance where they did nothing of note. Vandy won two games in the SECT (including upsetting Kentucky for the second time in 2 weeks.) They went to the NIT after probably getting snubbed for the NCAAT. They won a couple of games in the NIT.

EVERYTHING looked good for Vandy going into the offseason. They were set to return 7 of their 8 top scorers and build on the great performance down the stretch...until 4 of those 7 chose to transfer, including Jordan Wright. What did all of that momentum get them the following season? A 13th place finish in the SEC.