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March Madness kicks off with the first round on March 20-21, and the stakes couldn't be higher as fans prepare for another wild ride. Duke, led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg - the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a National Player of the Year favorite - is among the favorites, along with Auburn, powered by fifth-year center Johni Broome. But as always, expect upsets and a Cinderella story-UConn, fresh off back-to-back titles, could become the first team since 1973 to repeat, making them a dark horse to watch. Amid the excitement, North Carolina's inclusion in the 68-team field has sparked outrage. The Tar Heels, with a lackluster 22-13 record, squeaked into the First Four as a No. 11 seed despite a dismal 1-12 mark against Quadrant 1 opponents (top teams according to the NET rankings), earning a spot only after Memphis beat UAB, preserving their bid over stronger resumes like West Virginia and Indiana.
North Carolina's Shocking Bid Ignites Controversy
North Carolina's entry into the NCAA Tournament has college hoops fans fuming, especially given their shaky resume and the role of Tar Heels athletic director Bubba Cunningham, who chaired the selection committee. The 53rd-ranked Tar Heels will face San Diego State in the First Four on Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio, with Ole Miss waiting in the South Region if they advance. Critics point to North Carolina's lone Quad 1 win (over UCLA in December) and a Quad 3 loss to Stanford at home, arguing that West Virginia and Indiana, with a combined 10 Quad 1 wins, were snubbed.
While he was not in the room when the Tar Heels were discussed, many speculated that his influence played a role in their selection. ESPN's Fran Fraschilla pointed out that while there may not have been direct interference, the relationships Cunningham built with other committee could have influenced the decision. Further fueling the criticism, reports surfaced that Cunningham's contract included a financial bonus if North Carolina made the tournament, adding another layer of skepticism. The controversy deepens with Cunningham's financial stake-his contract nets him a $67,905.67 bonus (8.33% of his $814,868 salary) if UNC makes the tournament, plus more for a deep run, per Inside Carolina.
What to Expect from the NCAA Tournament
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on a potential Duke-Auburn final, pitting Flagg's defensive wizardry against Broome's dominant interior play. Duke's length - starting with 6-foot-6 Tyrese Proctor and featuring 7-foot-2 rim protector Khaman Maluach - makes them a lockdown unit, while Flagg's all-world impact, if he avoids setbacks from his recent ankle injury, could seal their title hopes. Auburn, with a grueling schedule and Broome's fifth-year leadership, feels unstoppable, but their two losses to top contenders (like Duke) keep the race close. For North Carolina, surviving the First Four would be a miracle, but their shaky play suggests an early exit - leaving fans to debate whether their inclusion was a travesty or a twist worth watching.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding North Carolina, the madness of March will provide unforgettable moments. Will Duke and Auburn meet in the final? Can UConn defy the odds and make history? One thing is for sure, March Madness never disappoints.