It’s official: the Tar Heels won’t be participating in March Madness.
The UNC men’s basketball team narrowly missed out on the field of 68 teams for the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, officially missing the field for the first time since 2010 (not counting the 2020 tournament Carolina would have missed). The Tar Heels are the first team since 1985 — when the tournament expanded to 64 teams — to go from being ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls to missing the tournament field.
The selection committee ranked Carolina as one of the First 4 Out, meaning if the Tar Heels choose to participate, they would be a No. 1 seed in the NIT. However, a statement from head coach Hubert Davis confirmed the team would not be participating in the event.
“Although… this season wasn’t what we had hoped for, I want to thank our players and staff for their hard work and love for Carolina Basketball,” Davis’ statement read. “Many factors go into postseason play and we believe now is the time to focus on moving ahead, preparing for next season and the opportunity to again compete for ACC and NCAA championships.”
Tar Heels choose not to participate in 2023 NIT.
🔗: https://t.co/o6wWdno4uo pic.twitter.com/fIu4NVgX6k
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) March 12, 2023
Ultimately, UNC’s failure to close out games against quality teams was its downfall. Leads in the second half and overtime against NCAA Tournament teams such as Iowa State, Alabama, Pittsburgh (twice), Duke (twice), NC State and Virginia all went up in smoke. It’s fair to say that had any of those results been reversed, Carolina would be included in the field of 68.
Featured image via Todd Melet
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I’m so Sadden About My Team Since Phil Ford ,Deam Smith The One Time Only Four Corners ,Michael Jordan The Best Basketball Player Since Phil Ford, James Worty Whom Were The Best Strong Point Guards Ever…My Die Heart Number 1 Team Not Going Playing In The NIT…But I am pretty sure Coach H
Davis has his reason..I’m Still An Tar Heels Despite OnWhat Reasons…It’s An Shocking Moment For This News …But It Is What It Is From The Coach And Coaching Staff….Keep Your Faith In God……Go Heels…🏀 🏀 🏀 🏀
my opinion is I’m a Carolina fan since 70 80 years love that’s your problem and I guess if you go to pay some players more than the other ones they don’t really have I desire to be as good as the guy that’s making more money but get rid of lovedo not let Mister Love play basketball next year I will not watch UNC?
I am a Tarheel till I die. Love that Tarheel wreath on my door. With tears I will put it away until next, if I am living.
Not in a good look. Equivalent of “if I can’t play, I’ll take my ball and go home.”