Controversy swirls around the NCAA Tournament Select Committee every year as debates whether one or two teams deserve a national title run chance.
After “Selection Sunday,” North Carolina tar heels were a hot and controversial topic as college basketball fans analyzed official brackets.
There were major conditions that weren't too happy with the Select Committee's decision on Sunday, as the Tar Heels play San Diego State and earned the 11th seed as one of the “first four” games in the Southern Region.
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After “Selection Sunday,” North Carolina tar heels were a hot and controversial topic as college basketball fans analyzed official brackets. (Imaginary of Jim Dedmon-Immagn)
However, not everyone was shocked to see the tar heels of the 68 teams.
Jalen Rose, a college basketball legend who is part of the famous “Fab Five” 1991 Michigan Wolverines team, told Fox News Digital why North Carolina's bids weren't surprised at him at all.
“They deserve to escape money and nostalgia,” Rose said, but also discussed their partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook in the madness this March. “People know how the game works. From the beginning of time, see where teams play on brackets. Duke and Carolina usually play in their own backyard. That's not just to allow them to have the advantages of a home court.
North Carolina's NCCA Tournament bid will lead to social media backlash. “How did this happen?”
Rose points out that the strong brand UNC has, but he recognized another major factor that led to controversy. TarHeels Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham is the chairman of the Select Committee.
Cunningham said he was not in the room for the UNC decision, but he explained to vice-chairman Keith Gill how the Tar Heels came in.
“Our policy requires that school ads reject themselves and actually leave the room for those discussions. And they are not allowed to participate in the vote as well. …We voted on four teams on the field on Saturday night.
“An accidental vote, it was the last team on the field. And it was based on the Memphis Oub. If Memphis wins that game, it's going to unlock the tournament spot and it's going to be North Carolina.”
Jalen Rose, a college basketball legend who is part of the famous “Fab Five” 1991 Michigan Wolverines team, told Fox News Digital why North Carolina's bids weren't surprised at him at all. (Kirby Lee-Imagn image)
In any case, Rose explained that he was always “skeptical” about how these committees would choose in college sports.
“I was skeptical of how things have faded in the NCAA from the beginning of time,” he admitted. “How do you put it? [Cunningham] In that position, and at some point, does this not become a contradiction? If that's the point, it happens on many different levels. So, of course, if he needs to wave the flag to get into the NCAA tournament, then there's something in baseball where they call “the ties go to runners.” That's what happens when he's in that position.
“I'm not saying I like it. I'm saying what it is. Coaches know what it is. Schools know what it is. Media members know what it is, and everyone calls it.
Why is it okay? Rose doesn't think the Tar Heels will have a big conversation Tuesday night at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
The Aztecs are his choice to be the 11th seed in the South.
SDSU was 21-9 this season, and UNC was 22-13. (Isaiah J. Downing-imagn image)
“Y'all will only be able to talk for another 24 hours as Brian Dutcher and San Diego state knock them out anyway,” Rose said.
“For me, San Diego will be very poised to beat UNC to ensure their defenses and how they will get there on the edge of the floor afterwards.
UNC outperforms SDSU on both Net (36-52) and Kenpom (33-46) ratings, but Rose has leaned towards what Darcher can do with his Aztecs in recent seasons.
SDSU made last season's Sweet 16, losing to the final champion UConn, playing national championship games during the 2022-23 season, and also fell to the Husky.
SDSU was 21-9 this season, and UNC was 22-13.
Accept mixed chaos on Fanatics Sportsbook
Rose always dreamed of that “one sparkling moment” at the NCAA tournament. But now he's trying to help sports bettors get themselves on the Fanatics Sportsbook.
Rose's partnership will allow fans to join the action and “accept chaos” with a $5 million fancash drop this March. That means fans who use Fanatics Sportsbook to place a $20 parlay in college basketball will earn a share of $5 million in fancash.
Rose explained that he was always “skeptical” about how these committees choose in college sports. (Lon Horwedel-Immagn image)
“I'm a participant, so just like I'm betting $20, I'm betting! Don't twist,” Rose said with a laugh. “I bet that too, so it was a lot of fun for me.”
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As someone who admits to betting with friends, family and colleagues at the Madness Bracket every March, Rose is excited to join with other bettors this tournament season.
Finally, Fanatics Sportsbook offers customers the opportunity to join San Antonio's Rose for the National Title Game. All they have to do to participate in the sweepstakes is to send a parlay slip to the Fanatics Sportsbook on social media.
“I'm very devoted to fanatics, we're a family. We were standing there,” Rose said. “We will show you a very unique experience you deserve.”
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