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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Ryan Phillips

North Carolina Sneaking Into Men’s NCAA Tournament Had Hoops World Sounding Off

NCAA North Carolina Basketball the NCAA Tournament the Tar Heels
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis argues with an official. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

North Carolina made the 2025 men's NCAA tournament despite having an extremely weak resume. Many believed the Tar Heels were set to miss the big dance but wound up included as a First Four selection and will face San Diego State in Dayton.

UNC making the field was extremely controversial and many were shocked they wound up being included. The reaction to their inclusion was swift and strong.

The Tar Heels finished the season 22-13 but were 1-12 in Quad 1 games. They were battling teams like Xavier, Texas, and Indiana to get into the tournament. Conventional wisdom claimed UNC's record against top teams would keep it out of the big dance.

Entering Sunday, North Carolina was No. 36 in the NET rankings, 33rd in KenPom and had the 42nd-ranked strength of schedule.

More College Basketball on Sports Illustrated


This article was originally published on www.si.com as North Carolina Sneaking Into Men’s NCAA Tournament Had Hoops World Sounding Off.

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