The North Carolina Tar Heels were among the most debated teams to receive an invitation to the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. However, ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale believes there’s more to UNC than just its at-large resume.
Despite being listed as one of the “last four in” by the NCAA selection committee, the Tar Heels will face San Diego State in Dayton for the First Four on Tuesday night. The winner will earn the No. 11 seed in the South Region and advance to play No. 6 Ole Miss in the first round.
UNC’s inclusion in the tournament sparked criticism, largely due to its 1-12 record in Quad 1 games and the fact that North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham chairs the selection committee. Vitale weighed in on Selection Sunday, questioning the decision.
“All we hear is talk about the importance of QUAD 1 wins – UNC in Quad 1 tough games was 1-12,” he posted on X. “Don’t you have to win a couple?”
While he acknowledged UNC’s struggles in key matchups, the longtime analyst and cancer survivor made it clear he sees potential in Hubert Davis’ squad.
“@UNC_Basketball passes my eye test,” Vitale wrote, “but I don’t want to hear the committee talk about how vital QUAD 1 wins are.”
All we hear is talk about the importance of QUAD 1 wins – UNC in Quad 1 tough games was 1-12 .Don’t you have to win a couple . @UNC_Basketball passes my eye test but I don’t want to hear the committee talk about how vital QUAD 1 wins are . Obviously not for all teams I feel…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 16, 2025
North Carolina wrapped up the season with a 22-13 record, falling 74-71 in the ACC Tournament semifinals to a Duke squad missing Cooper Flagg. The Tar Heels found themselves down by as many as 24 points in the second half but nearly pulled off an incredible comeback—an effort that certainly strengthened their case in the “eye test.”
UNC closed the season strong, winning eight of its last 10 games, with both losses coming against its fierce Tobacco Road rival, which ultimately secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. During that stretch, the Tar Heels made significant strides, climbing from 52nd to 22nd nationally in offensive efficiency and improving their NET ranking from 50th to 36th—a crucial factor in securing their spot in the NCAA field.
The last four teams IN the NCAA Tournament: Texas, Xavier, San Diego State, North Carolina.
The first four teams OUT of the NCAA Tournament: West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio State, Boise State. pic.twitter.com/1T5JNWSnYS
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) March 16, 2025
Senior guard R.J. Davis, the 2024 ACC Player of the Year, is North Carolina’s leading scorer, averaging 17.0 points per game. Much like Vitale, he believes in his team’s potential. “God doesn’t make any mistakes,” Davis said after UNC secured its spot in the NCAA Tournament.
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