North Carolina's NCAA Tournament Selection Draws Widespread Criticism

The Tar Heels' inclusion, despite a poor Quad 1 record, has sparked debate over fairness and selection criteria.

North Carolina secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament as one of the First Four teams, despite a 1-12 record in Quad 1 games.
The Tar Heels will face San Diego State in Dayton, with the winner advancing to play Ole Miss in the first round.
Critics argue the inclusion disregards key metrics, as UNC’s late-season surge lacked wins against top-ranked teams.
UNC’s Athletic Director, Bubba Cunningham, chaired the selection committee but was not involved in discussions about the Tar Heels’ inclusion.
Supporters highlight UNC’s challenging schedule and strong brand appeal as factors influencing the decision.