In response to the question, “If I say North Carolina deserves a spot in this field, is that fact or fiction?” An ESPN College Basketball analyst and former Virginia Tech Coach, Seth Greenberg, responded emphatically: “It is absolute fiction!” Greenberg suggests that no one should be able to schedule themselves into the tournament.
Instead, a team’s winning record should earn them the spot. He said, “Their resume says they should not be in the tournament.”
Understanding the Selection Process
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament helps determine the best basketball team in the United States. The competition starts with 68 teams and is single-elimination until one team wins.
The selection process involves two pathways: an automatic bid, where 32 teams earn qualification for winning their conference tournament, and 36 at-large bids, which the NCAA committee awards to the best teams that didn’t win their conference tournaments. Put simply, you are either the best or the second-best to earn selection.
UNC’s Controversial Resume Sparks Debate
A team’s resume plays a vital role in the selection process of the at-large team, a category UNC falls into. The University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels were fortunate to be part of the at-large teams. They only won one out of thirteen Quad 1 games played, and it was a close win against UCLA.
While UNC has a NET Ranking of 36, Louisville, another team in the tournament, ranks at 23. Their Quad-1 4-6 record, including a win against UNC, is far superior to UNC’s embarrassing 1-12 record. So, while UNC ranks 36, their dismal Quad 1 record should have affected their qualification.
Reactions have trailed Greenberg’s comment, with many suggesting that the team deserved the spot and that their woes are in the past. Many loyal Tar Heels also feel that attention should be on the team’s success, not the controversy surrounding its selection. UNC’s thrashing of San Diego State, 95-68, clearly shows that the team and fans are united and ready for a good run in the competition.
The controversy surrounding UNC’s selection shows a flaw. Almost all bracketologists overlooked North Carolina, so it was surprising that the Tar Heels eventually made it to the NCAA Tournament.
KEEP READING: CBS Analyst Gary Parrish Slams UNC’s NCAA Bid: ‘Their Resume Wasn’t Good Enough’
The NCAA often emphasizes the Quad 1 record. Hence, it is surprising that the NET Ranking seems to be the key factor in their selections this time. In future tournaments, many would focus on what brings a team in, NET Ranking or Quad 1 records; we have to wait for the answer.
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