GREENSBORO — North Carolina wants to play in the NIT.
Now the question is: Does the NIT want UNC?
Les Robinson, N.C. State’s former athletics director and a member of the eight-person NIT selection committee, said this morning he was not allowed to reveal who was on his list of 32 teams that he will submit to begin the selection process. (Each committee member submits a list, and they begin whittling down from there.)
"I would be surprised if they [the Tar Heels] weren’t on the board, but I can say that about 25, 30 teams," he said, adding that that includes the Wolfpack, which
hasn't hurt themselves" by upsetting Clemson Thursday night in the ACC tournament's first round.
State faces Florida State in the league quarterfinals tonight.
Robinson, who was sitting in the airport preparing to fly to Indianapolis to meet with the committee, said that beating Georgia Tech on Thursday night would have helped UNC’s chances, "but the thing is, a bunch of good teams lost in the first round."
Carolina’s "plusses," he said, its .500 (16-16) record, a "respectable" RPI (No. 85 as of Monday, according to collegerpi.com), and some close losses. The NIT uses the same procedure as the NCAA to select its 32-team field, meaning injuries are taken into account.
That could help the Tar Heels, given that nine different UNC players missed at least one game because of an injury. One of those, Tyler Zeller – who missed 10 games – is back and playing well.
What could hurt the Tar Heels, as well as UNC-Charlotte, though, is the fact that the NIT automatically invites the regular-season champion of any NCAA Division I conference that doesn’t make the NCAA tournament. So far, there are eight automatic qualifiers: Kent State, Weber State, Troy, Coastal Carolina, Quinnipiac, Jacksonville, Stony Brook and Jackson State.
That leaves only 24 more invitations, as of right now.
The NIT field will be announced at 9 p.m. on ESPNU; first-round games begin Tuesday and Wednesday.
UNC coach Roy Williams, who never has coached in the NIT, said his team would accept an invitation if asked.
"Are we worthy enough to be invited? That I don't know,’’ he said Thursday night. "There's people … that get to make those decisions, maybe that won't even invite us. But if somebody invites me to go play, we're going to go play."
Point guard Larry Drew II said the team wanted to continue to play to prepare for the future – and maybe find a way to make a brighter end for this disappointing season. He knows there are fans out there who think the Tar Heels – who won the NCAA title last season – should turn down the NIT and end the season at .500. Asked how he would respond to that mindset, he said:
"To those people, honestly, to those people, I would say that they can't have their way all the time. Some people are just so spoiled, man. Especially Carolina fans, just because, you know, the whole tradition. It's not necessarily a bad thing, it's just the way it is. But to those fans: Yes, we haven't been performing up to the standards of the usual North Carolina basketball team, but we can't be perfect all the time, and we're human, too."
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
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Drews Comment on Does the Nit want UNC-Spoiled?
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 18:42 — mab2691Larry Drew.....The fans are Not "Spoiled" in wanting Carolina to make the NCAA Tournament.We are an Elite Fan based Fans, who expect Carolina Basketball Players to do their best...and Not Bash the Fans as Spoiled!!! Yes we are Disappointed in your bad Point guard Play this Season...but Know you are Young! I really saw a Great team...with Confidence, at the beginning of the Season. I am Disappointed in the 1 man Play, instead of "Team" Play this year. You really Need to stay focused and Share the ball more....and be Looking to Help others on your team.Too Many Turnovers....Too Many Missed Free Throw Shots. Too many Bad Decisions...."Thats Not the "Spoiled fans"!Carolina Basketball Is a Long tradition. You Have to "Earn" your spot on it. You havent. Maybe you will be Lucky to be Invited to the NIT. I am the #1 Carolina fan. I dont Bash them...but you have alot to Learn about the tradition.....not make excuses about Fans Spoiled. We Expect McDonalds All Americans to be Better than you Prefomed this year. Cant win em all, but ya didnt win many at all. You are noot the "Championship Team" from 2009. Get over it, and do your best to Play well. You are not your Dad even. You have to prove you are good. Beat Duke next year...and dont ever say...UNC Fans are spoiled, cause we did Stand behind you..when you were Making Bad Decisions, and Losing this year. You need to Soul search this Summer, and "Ask Your self"...Do you Have what it Takes to "Be a Tarheel".??? Show me next year!! I will forget what you said then. Dont ever say it again. You need to put more in the Basket...Not "Air" balls like in the ACC Tournament. Henson played Like a Tarheel. Ed davis is Not Ready for the Pro's..he cant Hit a free throw. Strickland is good, but cant be a 1 man Show. Gotta Play together, Man!!Wear Brothers....Act Like Bros. Played all your Life together....Get it Right on the Court.7 Foot Tyler Zoeller....Act Like your Size!!! Hit the Weightroom, and Dont be Mad cause you dont start!!! You can "Help" this team..Dont Fight the Lineup!!! Play your Great Best, and you will be in the Starting 5...Go Strong to the basket...Not like Deon.."Too Soft hands"...Big men need to get under the Basket, and Slam.....Take Control of the Area...as its theirs. Mark The #1 Carolina Basketball fan, and dont you EVER Say that again Drew. The McDonalds 3 Point Contest you won. was Great..But No-one was in your face!!! Show me/Prove me wrong!!!
Where is this quote by D2??
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 22:29 — unc098Where is this quote by D2??
If Roy had had any sense....
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 23:35 — TheMambaSTRIKES1. would have given Strickland the PG position to learn from day 1..he's quick on quick and drives to the basket....needs to learn PG instincts....now will still be at a 3/10 scale next year.
2. DrOO and Thompson and GONEyard would have been assigned back up duty ....
3. front court rotation of Davis-Zeller-Wear-Henson
4. Graves / McDonald the SG rotation
5. Even Still...NO SHOOTERS !
Mamba
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 00:23 — unc098ok this is better. I don't disagree with most of that. I still think the jury is out on D2. At times he shows like he can run the team at other times he spaces out and makes horrible decisions. If UNC keeps Davis you have to admit they have a pretty good front court coming back with plenty of depth. Strickland is quick on quick as you say but also seems clueless at the end point of a fast break. Some of this is maturity and will correct itself. Maybe a little competitive push from the incoming folks will jack up the intensity and concentration levels to where they need to be. Drew, McDonald and Strickland were all good shooters coming out of high school. The shot is there but there is a confidence issue. Can't disagree on # 5 in general. Actually Wears bros. from the corner are pretty deadly and the two outside shots ( both made ) by Henson were beautiful. He has a nice natural shot off the dribble.
We will see.
Drew II
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 00:36 — Heels20He has so much potential and can be great for us, but immediately folded when the pressure got turned up. I've said it all year that it's tough for a pass-first PG to succeed without a go-to scorer, but at some point Drew has got to learn to work with what he has. He is a good on-ball defender and has recently shown more of an ability to get to the free throw line. He has to hit the free ones when he gets them.
I agree that we have a good frontcourt, on paper, if Davis comes back. At the same time, if he quits on the team like he did this year, I don't want him back. Jogging up and down the court ain't going to cut it, and his issues of pride when it comes to his NBA draft stock have only hurt this team. If he thinks he's too good for this basketball team, then he can take his one-way ticket to whatever NBA bench he lands on. We've got a player in Henson that wants to win a whole lot more.
I didn't expect Drew or Strickland to have great outside shots this year, but McDonald seemed to be a lot like Ellington coming out of high school. There were flashes of greatness at some points this season, and I think we'll see more next year if he gets his minutes. Strickland was a huge disappointment at the end of the year, as he was never really able to fully make that conversion to PG and embrace a leadership role that it appeared he may have been able to take. Last year, he was a great slasher at the high school level, and now, he is still a great slasher...at the high school level.
Yes, I'm being hard on these guys, but 1 of 2 things has to happen. They can either recover from a very forgettable season, or they can feel sorry for themselves and continue on with what appears to be division in the locker room (see the looks Travis Wear gives Drew).
Harrison Barnes, please come ASAP.
H20
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 11:25 — unc098Again we are constantly bringing up chemistry issues. I thought the combination of Zeller and Wears worked very well in the GT game. They were looking for one another and I liked that high post low post switch off they were doing. Wears can really shoot and I have a feeling we will see more of that shot next year.
re: Davis. I am not sure his attitude was due to general frustration or truly more concerned with his NBA stock. I am sure its some of both. I think he needs another year and it has to be a good one . I think most of the freshman had that attitude of " we are not going to be here for more than a year and I want to strut my stuff"
re: Strickland . I thought he got worse as the season progressed. As you say he seems stuck in his high school way of doing things. I still like him at 2 guard where he can slash and burn. Not showing much of an ability to score however.
re: Drew 2. He just really loves to try to thread the needle with that bounce pass doesn't he?? Successful about 1 out of every 5 tries. The problem is that there are generally 4 or 5 defensive players in the way. The passes aren't accurate either and difficult to handle. He needs to get a little more fundamentally sound in that dept. I don't mind him shooting. He just needs to get some confidence.He should be shooting no less than 80% from the FT line as well.
Henson, Zeller and Wears seem to have improved tremendously. I am looking forward to seeing their game next year.
Agree on most points
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 11:49 — Heels20I like the Wears, but I feel like we only need one of them. They are nice to have, but it's not like they're the kind to take over a game. It's great to have a big man that can hit the 3 ball and the mid-range jumpers to open things up for true post players like Zeller and Davis, but it's kind of tough knowing that one of those scholarships could go to a player like Adonis Thomas or CJ Leslie.
I think Strickland is definitely more fit for the 2, but McDonald is better at playing within the system and is going to be great for us once he re-gains confidence in his shot. If Reggie Bullock is as good as expected, then either Strickland or McDonald is going to be caught seeing minimal playing time. If no one transfers, then it's going to be tough to figure out the rotation for this backcourt next season. I'm hoping Drew remains the starting PG, with our best scorer playing SG.
As far as Henson and Zeller go, I'm cautiously optimistic about their offensive production for next season. Henson has more potential than any one on this team, and his winning attitude will only bring out the best in that.
Ha
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 12:39 — unc098Yeah I have had the same thought about only having one of the Wears but I think with some weight room work they will become a force. At least they are interchangable. If one gets tired you send in the twin. An interesting situation. I think the newcomers are going to amp up the competition and we are going to see a lot more production out of whoever is left.I would be surprised if somebody didn't leave. We will see.
As far as the Strickland, McDonald, Bullock situation is concerned I think the one making the shots is going to be playing.
Yup
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 15:57 — Heels20"As far as the Strickland, McDonald, Bullock situation is concerned I think the one making the shots is going to be playing."
As it should be.
guess
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 17:37 — unc098thats a little obvious ..(chuckle)
End the misery
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 20:20 — n2kneesNo please do not go to the NIT. End the misery, don't make us suffer through another game of Drew II turnovers and bricks from him and the rest of the crowd who can't shoot straight and plays like they don't care. End it now! Please! I'm begging!
Heels '86
Best to sit at home
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 19:46 — dsspr1and listen to Streisand's "The Way We Were"
YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS !!
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 19:22 — TheMambaSTRIKES— DukeAlumni wrote
................ I also think this is a brilliant move on the part of Coach Williams...putting together some wins in the NIT is a great way to take away the sting of the regular season and start building towards next year.
==============================
Wow a Dook alumni? you had an opening thought.... until you started throwing out this crapola....
Happened in 03 and
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 19:32 — unc098Happened in 03 and carried over to 04 even with a coaching change.
Besides the usual "drivel" give me a logical reason why not.
GREED trumps common sense everytime....
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 19:17 — TheMambaSTRIKESand i gotta think the NIT wants the Whine & Cheese Dome as a venue...maybe not the team...but they go hand in hand........
the Tar holes for sure...do not deserve the right to play any home games.......
NIT
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 23:59 — LetsGoPittMamba: who do you want to see roll into town: Sean Miller or Herb Sendek? Both will be in NIT and probably hosting 1st roound games, but you have to think NIT will try and get one of them mathced up against State or unc in their brackets.
"greed trumps"
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 19:35 — unc098I agree
nevertheless
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 19:27 — unc098success breeds success...but we will see. But isn't the NIT the place where mid majors and other less monetary draws always end up???? I am amazed it still exists. A testimony to the popularity of the college game and the insatiable appetite of fans to support ones team.... wheres yours going????come on tell us sometime.. I know you like to be a mysterious MF and its safe to sit back and spew without having to defend... but lighten up dude.....join the world.
mabmy pamby
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 20:41 — gvillegatrhe prolly roots for the UNC CH 49ers.
No Brainer
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 16:26 — DukeAlumniThe NIT would be crazy not to invite Carolina. No matter how the season ended they have to look at their early non-conference schedule where they played close games against Texas, Syracuse and Kentucky, all of whom are or were in the top 5 this season. Even in an off year having Carolina in the tournament is going to draw the NIT a lot more attention than normal. I also think this is a brilliant move on the part of Coach Williams...putting together some wins in the NIT is a great way to take away the sting of the regular season and start building towards next year.
DUKE-ALUM!!
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 17:28 — bluecat69bluecat69THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE HOLES ARE SO BAD, THAT THEY CANT PUT TOGEATHER ONE WIN, MAYBE U NEED TO BECOME A CARAWHINA FAN, I BELIEVE U ARE A COW COLLEGE FAN , ACTING LIKE U LIKE DUKE, OK GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!
i appreciate the kind words
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 17:06 — gvillegatrbut i'm not favoring UNC on the road against any of the NIT teams.
the perfect end to such a disatrous season would be to go on the road to some mid major school and lose, again, and end up below .500 for the season.
this team shows no desire on the court and nor do the guys sitting on the bench.
the season has been long lost so why continue it? ...
g-alligator!!
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 17:14 — bluecat69bluecat69I FEEL YOUR PAIN, SAD, SAD , SAD,, GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 16:46 — unc098reasoned comments. Thank you Dukealumni
HOLE098!
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 17:17 — bluecat69bluecat69I THINK I AM GOING TO PUKE!!! GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!
Go
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 14:56 — SurferI hope they go. I am forever the optimist, there would still be the chance of a winning season, vs. .500. Of course it could also open up a chance for a losing season.
Should also note: "same procedure as the NCAA to select ... , meaning injuries are taken into account." In that case, there's still hope for the NCAA (not serious).
No decision
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 14:45 — omegamanUNC should stay home. Going to the NIT with their record is on par with a .500 flopball (I mean football) team going to a bowl. Save themselves and us the embarassment.
Take the time to go to classes and at least become good students.
omegaman
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 16:58 — gvillegatrwho is to say the kids on the UNC basketball team aren't good students already?
no one has been disciplined from this team for bad grades like you see on the ESPN scroll or in nantional papers for so many other schools.
talk sh*t about their horrible bball play, but don't ASSume they need to become good students when there is nothing to say they aren't already.
Congrats Gatr
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 20:32 — JPDOhioIn case you missed my earlier post, best wishes to you and your family on your new boy. You are a lucky man, as of course you already know. Hope everyone is doing well.
One question-where do you want me to send your son's gift? I'm sure he'll look great in his first Wolfpack sweats.
thx, JPD
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 20:39 — gvillegatreveryone is well. we're just tired and ready to head home tomorrow.
I appreciate the thoughts and the single jesture, but you can send the Wolfpack sweats to your local charity in his name!! lol.
or, maybe, Bluecat will give you his PO Box number, at his local post office, and he'll wear them till he grows out of em!!
Gville ..Hows the boy and
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 18:22 — unc098Gville ..Hows the boy and the family????
one word
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 20:32 — gvillegatrTIRED! lol
mother and son are holding up well, but we are all ready to go home. should be tomorrow (sat).
thx for asking, UNC098.
gville
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 21:25 — Heels20Congratulations on the baby, that's awesome. Glad to hear everyone is doing well, and hopefully the Heels can get an NIT bid and win some games for him.
G-GATOR-RED-PUSSY-69
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 17:22 — bluecat69bluecat69CAN U SAY BASKET-WEAVING? THIS SH-T HOLE TEAM MUST BE GOOD STUDENTS, BECAUSE THEY ARE A SORRY BB TEAM, I GUESS 1OUT OF 2 AINT BAD, GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!
money talks
Fri, 03/12/2010 - 14:09 — unc098and this will be a financial decision.