Did UNC make the NCAA tournament? Why did North Carolina turn down the NIT?

No NIT for UNC basketball. The Tar Heels have decided not to participate in the tournament, after finding out that they wouldn’t participate in March Madness. The NIT consists of teams that didn’t make the NCAA Tournament. Last year, UNC made the final against Kansas, and it came as a big shocker that they were unable to qualify for the biggest college basketball tournament.

UNC fell out of the top 25 after a four-game losing streak. They finished seventh in the ACC and lost at home to Duke at the end of the season. Therefore they had to do well in the conference tournament to get into the NCAA. Instead, Virginia beat the Tar Heels in the quarterfinals.

But why did North Carolina turn down the NIT?

The Tar Heels became the first team to be seeded number one in the preseason, to not make the NCAA tournament since 1985.

“All season, our focus and goal have been on being the best team we can possibly become and reaching our full potential to give us another opportunity to compete, play for and win an NCAA championship.” Said head coach Hubert Davis.

In addition, the Tar Heels coach also explained that “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.”

This means the season is over for North Carolina, and they can switch gears into the coming year. The Tar Heels guards Caleb Love and RJ Davis can return to the team. Moreover, senior All-ACC center Armando Bacot can come for a fifth season because of the lost season due to the COVID pandemic.