The Tar Heels are going dancing, but the college basketball world seemed more than shocked by the news — and wondering if perhaps some favoritism may have been involved. While North Carolina was predicted to be on the bubble – at best – to make the NCAA Tournament,

Here is why UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham became a March Madness controversy due to his role on the tournament selection committee.

The North Carolina Tar Heels were the biggest surprise of Selection Sunday, earning a No. 11 seed and a spot in the First Four in Dayton when their name was called for the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As soon as UNC was named into the tournament,

North Carolina -- which slotted in as the No. 46 overall seed -- had a higher NET Ranking (36) than West Virginia (51) or Indiana (54), but that didn’t stop a lot of fans from crying foul on social media in regards to Cunningham’s claim that he wasn’t in the room when the decision was made.

College basketball fans are confused as to how North Carolina made the NCAA Tournament. However, athletic director Bubba Cunningham may have the answer.

The Tar Heels, who hold a 1-12 record against Quad 1 teams this season, earned a bid despite a poor showing against the country’s top teams.