NCAA Tournament vs NIT Tournament (The True National Champion)

[collegehoopsfan123]

I have read much on this debate. What was the 1st year the NCAA Tournament winner was considered the "true" National Champion of college basketball (greater than the NIT winner)? I have heard anywhere from 1951 - 1970.
I have heard it was a gradual shift in prestige, but what year would you all say? Thanks! And a family member told me
Ohio State in 1960.

 

[collegehoopsfan123]

Looks like somewhere between 1951 and 1960.

 

[collegehoopsfan123]

Looks like somewhere between 1951 and 1960.

I am going to say 1957 North Carolina "might be" the 1st year where NCAA over NIT overall on a consistent basis for crowning a true college basketball National Champion. Just my opinion. Look forward to everyone else thoughts and perspective!

 

[MLB007]

Wasnt' there a time when they played a game between the two winners? Seems like I vaguely remember such a thing.

 

[gofish872]

during the 58 and 59 seasons, the better teams finally started playing in the ncaa as opposed to the nit. so, i would say that 1960 would be a good year to declare the ncaa champ as national champs..

 

[collegehoopsfan123]

Wasnt' there a time when they played a game between the two winners? Seems like I vaguely remember such a thing.

according to wikipedia, from 1943 - 1945 american red cross sponsored the games as charity for getting money to give to the war america was fighting in.....