Veteran guard RJ Davis of UNC is unfazed by the backlash surrounding the Tar Heels’ entry into the NCAA Tournament. Even with just one win against Quad 1 teams, UNC and fourth-year coach Hubert Davis are set to play San Diego State in a First Four matchup, aiming to move on to the first round.
“God doesn’t make any mistakes,” Davis posted on his Instagram Story on Sunday, along with a graphic celebrating the Tar Heels’ tournament entry.
Davis prevented becoming the first UNC coach to miss the NCAA Tournament twice in three seasons, a feat last accomplished by Matt Doherty in 2001-02 and 2002-03. The Tar Heels (22-13), who ranked 36th in the NET rankings, are one of four ACC teams making it to the NCAA Tournament, alongside Duke, Clemson, and Louisville, despite having gone 0-5 against those teams.
Multiple national analysts criticized UNC’s selection for the NCAA Tournament, including former Duke player Jay Williams from ESPN.
“My biggest takeaway is that I don’t understand how North Carolina made the tournament while West Virginia did not,” Williams said during ESPN’s College GameDay reaction show. He pointed out that UNC had 11 chances to play teams in the tournament field but only secured one win, which was on a neutral court back in December. Furthermore, they suffered four losses to teams that did not qualify for the tournament. In contrast, West Virginia had six Quad 1 wins, including victories over Iowa State and Gonzaga when they were ranked third in the nation. Williams argued that West Virginia was far more deserving of a spot than North Carolina.
West Virginia’s athletic director, Wren Baker, expressed strong disapproval of the NCAA Tournament selection committee, calling the final 68-team field a “travesty” after WVU was left out. Before the CBS announcement, every public prediction had projected the Mountaineers to make the tournament.
“I’m heartbroken for West Virginia basketball,” Baker wrote on Sunday. “I can’t understand how this team was overlooked. Our resume was more impressive than many teams that made it, and it’s a disgrace that we weren’t included. I have immense gratitude for Coach DeVries, our coaching staff, and players. They deserved better than the committee’s decision. Let’s support these young men and show them how proud we are of their efforts!”
West Virginia’s credentials included six Quad 1 wins, five of which were achieved on the road, a schedule rated as the 19th toughest, and 13 wins against opponents in the NET’s top 100.
UNC’s athletic director, Bubba Cunningham, served as the selection committee chair this season but maintained that he did not influence the inclusion of the Tar Heels.
“All policies and procedures were adhered to, and committee vice president Keith Gill can explain exactly how North Carolina was discussed, as I was not present for any of those discussions,” Cunningham stated on CBS Sports’ Selection Show. “As the vice chair, I supervised all conversations regarding North Carolina, and we had numerous discussions,” Gill added. “Our policies dictate that the AD of any school must recuse themselves and leave the room during those discussions. They are also prohibited from participating in any voting. We discussed North Carolina extensively.”
Only four teams ranked among the top 36 of the NET on Selection Sunday have missed the NCAA Tournament.
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