When the NCAA announced its 68-team March Madness field, it came with a surprising and controversial inclusion: the University of North Carolina.
Despite a less-than-impressive 22-13 record and no signature victories, the Tar Heels earned a spot in the tournament.
This sparked intense debate, with many fans and analysts questioning the legitimacy of their inclusion, especially considering the Tar Heels’ weak performance, including a 1-12 record against top-tier opponents.
Bubba Cunningham, the athletic director for North Carolina and NCAA selection committee chairman, found himself in the eye of the storm.
Although he was technically prohibited from voting for his own school, many fans felt there was still a conflict of interest.
Cunningham couldn’t even attend the discussions about UNC’s bid, as he was required to recuse himself from any decisions involving his team, according to committee vice chair Keith Gill.
The Selection Process and How UNC Made the Cut
On Selection Sunday, Cunningham addressed the controversy during an interview on CBS.
When asked about the perceived conflict of interest, Cunningham deferred to his colleague, Keith Gill, who explained that all policies were strictly followed.
Gill explained the selection process in detail, including the contingency vote that ultimately decided North Carolina’s fate.
According to Gill, the committee’s final vote was close, with Memphis and UAB both in the running for the last spot.
When Memphis won their game, it cleared the way for UNC to join the tournament.
This came despite UNC’s poor record against top-ranked teams, which left many critics scratching their heads.
Fan Backlash and Accusations of Corruption
The decision to include North Carolina led to an outpouring of criticism on social media.
Fans from rival schools, especially Indiana, West Virginia, and Boise State, expressed their disbelief, calling the decision corrupt and questioning the integrity of the selection process.
Many pointed to the Tar Heels’ weak performance in the ACC and their abysmal record against top-tier teams, with one fan calling Cunningham “one of the most blatantly corrupt men in modern sports history.”
Some fans took it even further, accusing Cunningham and the NCAA of bending the rules for a team with such a poor track record.
The most vocal critics argued that other teams, such as Boise State or UC Irvine, deserved the spot more than North Carolina.
Cunningham Responds to Critics
In his interview, Cunningham insisted that all the procedures were followed, and he was not involved in any discussions about North Carolina’s inclusion.
However, his explanations did little to calm the growing unrest among fans who felt the decision was unfair.
Even CBS analyst Seth Davis questioned whether North Carolina had received special treatment, given Cunningham’s prominent role in the selection process.
Despite the backlash, Keith Gill argued that UNC’s spot was earned based on the team’s strong performance in other areas, like their 8-0 record against Quad 2 teams.
The committee, according to Gill, took these factors into account when making their decision.
UNC’s Tournament Journey Begins with the First Four
While the controversy surrounding their inclusion remains, North Carolina will play in the First Four against San Diego State, with the tournament officially kicking off on Tuesday.
Texas, another surprise team with 15 losses, will also compete in the First Four.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on the Tar Heels, with many wondering if they can prove their worth despite the criticism that surrounds their unexpected bid.