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Social Media Outrage Surrounds North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Selection
The announcement of the 2025 NCAA Tournament men’s basketball bracket surprised many with the inclusion of the North Carolina Tar Heels as one of the First Four teams. They will face San Diego State to determine who will occupy the No. 11 seed in the South Region.
This decision by the NCAA selection committee sparked significant backlash on social media platforms.
Fans and experts expressed their disbelief over the Tar Heels being the last team selected for the tournament, prompting a vigorous debate on the fairness of the decision.
UNC’s Struggles in the Season
Despite the North Carolina Tar Heels’ storied basketball history, their performance this season presented a bleak picture. With a mere 1-12 record in Quadrant 1 games, their selection raised eyebrows. Quadrant 1 games are classified as those against teams ranked in the top 30 of the NCAA Evaluation Tool, or NET, on a home court, top 50 on a neutral site, and top 75 in away games.
Response from Athletic Director
Bubba Cunningham, the athletic director at UNC and chairman of the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, addressed the concerns regarding the selection process. He emphasized that all policies were adhered to during discussions about the Tar Heels’ inclusion.
Cunningham stated, “I’m going to defer that to [vice committee chair] Keith [Gill]. All the policies and procedures were followed. Keith can address how North Carolina was discussed because I was not in the room for any of that.”
Clarification on Selection Process
Vice committee chair Keith Gill clarified the selection protocol. He mentioned that the athletic director of any school must recuse themselves from discussions and is not permitted to participate in the voting process.
Gill explained, “We voted on four teams on Saturday night and had a contingency vote. That vote determined the last team entered into the field based on the outcome of the Memphis-UAB game. If Memphis won, UNC could secure a spot in the tournament.”
Public Reaction on Social Media
Following the announcement, social media users quickly voiced their discontent. Comments ranged from disbelief to condemnation. One user on X questioned, “Maybe the worst team ever to get an at-large bid?” Another chimed in, “How did this even happen?”
Many pointed to the Tar Heels’ dismal Quadrant 1 record, noting that NC State had previously been left out of the tournament in 2019 with a higher NET ranking.
Support for the Tar Heels
Not all feedback was negative, however. Some supporters highlighted the Tar Heels’ recent performances against top teams, arguing that their current form warrants a spot in the tournament. One user declared, “The Tarheels over the last month are amongst the Top 30-40 teams in the country based on current performance. If you want maximum quality in the tournament, it’s a no-brainer.”
An additional supporter noted, “Why is anyone upset about UNC having to play into the NCAA Tournament? They were 33rd in KenPom ratings and 36th in NET. Their Quadrant 1 losses include Kansas, Alabama, Auburn, Michigan State, and Duke, with many coming down to the wire. UNC deserved to get in.”
UNC’s Season Recap
North Carolina concluded their season with a 22-13 record, finishing 13-7 in ACC play. They managed to win two games in the ACC Tournament but faced elimination at the hands of the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils in the semifinals.
This season has proven to be tumultuous for many programs, including competitive teams like Indiana, West Virginia, Boise State, and UC Irvine, all of which were on the tournament bubble yet did not make the cut.
The Emotional Toll of Selection Day
Selection Day consistently brings mixed emotions for teams on the bubble. The heartbreak that comes with not being selected is a harsh reality of the NCAA Tournament. While North Carolina received a bid, the sadness felt by others who did not is undeniable.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will turn to the matchup between the Tar Heels and the Aztecs on Tuesday night. This game will determine who will enter the tournament as the No. 11 seed facing the No. 6 seed Ole Miss in the South Region.
The NCAA Tournament is always filled with surprises, and this year proves no different. The drama surrounding North Carolina’s last-minute inclusion sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
