CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- The buzz surrounding the University of North Carolina's selection to the NCAA tournament has stirred up widespread controversy as students on campus react to their team's unexpected inclusion.
On Monday, March 17, 2025, the announcement came through during the NCAA Selection Show, and reactions were mixed among the Tar Heels' supporters. Connor Basinger, a sophomore, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I got Carolina going like all the way. We put up a good fight against Duke, and I'm just real excited to see them in the tournament. I think they got a real good shot at it." Basinger, who fills out his bracket with hope, added, "It's just a strong team. And I think we can beat anyone in the country right now with the way we've been playing."
The excitement, though, was overshadowed by another narrative echoing throughout the sports world—one of disappointment from teams left out of the tournament. ESPN bracket analyst Joe Lunardi weighed in on the selection, declaring, "I think West Virginia was certainly the biggest snub in favor of North Carolina. It's been a national story on why and how the Tar Heels were selected." According to Lunardi, the outrage was palpable, with West Virginia being touted as deserving of the opportunity.
Adding to the drama, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey openly criticized the selection committee, calling it "a miscarriage of justice and robbery at the highest levels." His fiery remarks underscored the gravity of the situation, as fans and officials alike debated over the criteria for selection this year.
While some Tar Heels students like Basinger celebrated, others were taken aback by the decision. Freshman Henry Brittain articulated this sentiment, admitting, "I'm kind of surprised we made it, we are 1-12 in Top 25 Quad 1 wins." Brittain pointed to the team's rocky start to the season, noting how team chemistry was evidently lacking early on.
UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, who serves as chairman of the selection committee, tried to quell some of the concerns by stating, "I didn’t participate in the debate about UNC's inclusion"—a claim aiming to remove any perceived bias against other deserving teams.
The conversation is reflective of broader themes, especially when considering the competitive nature of March Madness this year. The SEC has set records by qualifying 14 out of 16 teams, demonstrating the rabid competitiveness among conferences.
The fervor surrounding the NCAA tournament is heightened by upcoming action slated to kick off soon. The men's First Four games will commence on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, followed by the women's matches commencing on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Though controversy remains, anticipation for the showdowns across the nation fuels spirits.
Auburn has secured the No. 1 overall seed among the men's teams, quickly followed by predictions of potential matchups, with discussions already revolving around teams like Texas and their chances for advancing.
Meanwhile, as March Madness looms, the discussion extends beyond just winning games to the integrity of the selection process itself and the stories of those teams left behind. Both Iowa and North Carolina, similarly situated, will continue to navigate their respective paths—each carrying their own stories and dreams of deep runs within the tournament.
The narrative of discontent, excitement, and the promise of evolution within collegiate sports exemplifies the passion on display as communities rally behind their teams. With such dynamics at play, this year's NCAA tournament is primed not only to showcase rising talent but also the deep-seated rivalries and unexpected twists.
North Carolina may have entered this season’s March Madness on shaky ground, but with roaring enthusiasm from fans like Basinger, the growing polarization around their presence serves only to heighten the stakes. The tournament has officially begun, and only time will reveal how it all plays out on the court.
