North Carolina’s season will continue. So will N.C. State’s.
Despite finishing a disappointing 16-16, the defending national champion Tar Heels earned a surprisingly-high No. 4 seed in the NIT – and will host a game against William & Mary at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday night. N.C. State earned a No. 6 seed, and will play at South Florida on 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Both teams are in the same quadrant of the bracket, meaning if they each win two games, they would match up in the quarterfinals for the right to advance to the final four at Madison Square Garden.
UNC will play its opening game at Carmichael Arena because of renovations to the Smith Center offices. Entering the selection show, earning a high enough seed was to host seemed like a stretch, considering the Tar Heels’ 16-16 record, 32-point loss to Duke in the regular-season finale, and first-round exit from the ACC tournament.
But C.M. Newton, chair of the selection committee, insisted Sunday night that the decision to invite the Tar Heels, and give them a home game in the 32-team field, had nothing to do with potential ticket sales or the fact that they are a “name” program.
“Their schedule was the determining factor,’’ Newton said, referring to non-conference match-ups that included Syracuse, Michigan State, Texas, and Kentucky. “They played such a demanding schedule … the thinking was that some of the teams that hadn’t played such a demanding schedule wouldn’t have had as good a record as North Carolina had had they played that schedule.”
This will mark UNC’s sixth NIT appearance, and the first since 2003. Playing William & Mary will mean matching up with a couple of former Tar Heels; the Tribe (22-10) is coached by Tony Shaver, who played guard at UNC from 1972-75. Assistant coach Jonathan Holmes also played four seasons at UNC, graduating in 2003. If UNC wins, it would likely play at No. 1 seed Mississippi State, which faces Jackson State in its opening game.
“I am pleased that the committee has invited us to play in the NIT,” UNC coach Roy Williams said in a prepared statement. “Of course we would have liked to have played better this year and be in the NCAA field, but we did not. But we are happy to still be playing basketball and I hope we will play well in the NIT.”
N.C. State (19-15) won its invite to the NIT by winning three of its last four regular season games – then two more in the ACC tournament, before falling to Georgia Tech in the semi-finals.
“They played their way, frankly, from a team we didn’t have on our radar to a team that came into our tournament by the way they played – particularly in the ACC tournament, and the way they played late in the year,’’ Newton said.
This will mark State’s 11th NIT appearance. It last played in the NIT in 2007, winning against Drexel and Marist before losing 71-66 to West Virginia.
“We are very excited to keep our season going,” N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe said in a prepared statement. “This is a great reward for our team for their play at the end of the season. We have been playing some of our best basketball of the season, and we look forward to continuing to work hard and keep our season alive.”
If the Wolfpack beats USF (20-12), it will play either UAB or Coastal Carolina in the second round. Newton said the committee thought about separating the Tar Heels and State into different quadrants of the bracket, so they wouldn’t match up again (UNC beat the Pack twice during the regular season) unless they advanced to New York. But the committee tries to keep teams closer to home.
“We looked at that and thought, ‘Should we sent North Carolina or North Carolina State out West to avoid this?’’’ he said. “And we made the judgment that it wouldn’t be what they wanted, or what their fans wanted.”
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
I'm conflicted
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 18:51 — PuddentainIf unc loses tonight, they have a losing record. If they win, then I have to hope for another chance at beating unc. Which would be nice, but no guarantee that State would beat them.
How about a deal?
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 18:57 — Heels20I'm about to roll to the Heels' game in just a bit, but I'll pull for the Pack if you pull for the Heels.
In Florida with my
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 11:29 — mad_maxIn Florida with my girlfriend for a week, so I won't let this ruin my trip, but HOW IN THE HELL DID CAROLINA GET A 4 SEED? C'mon, this is ridiculous folks. Haven't had a chance to read through all the comments, and I'm getting yelled at now for blogging about sports haha, but does anybody on here really think UNC deserves that 4 seed? I just don't get it. Oh well, good luck I guess. I'd love to see that UNC/State matchup, but it would be pretty unlikely I guess.
mad-sax!!
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 17:49 — bluecat69bluecat69unc-98 and heels- 20 called me and said your girlfriend was really a duke fan, ok, go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SOS
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 13:18 — SurferSimply put, Strength of Schedule, and injuries of course. Don't let it ruin your week, enjoy the sun.
lose lose
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 21:45 — gvillegatrIf UNC loses at some point, they'll e made fun of.
If UNC somehows wins the NIT (1% chance) they'll be mocked as the 66th best team in the country.
ABCers will laugh all the way to their keyboards either way unlike all the props UNC fans have been giving ncsu baskets for the last weekend.
g-alligator!!
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 17:51 — bluecat69bluecat69bill and marylee will beat the tarholes like a borrowed mule, ok go duke!!!!!!!!!
Here's the plus side of UNC in the NIT
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 11:31 — JPDOhioTar Heel recruits come with the expectation that they will be in the NCAA tournament. The NIT is a let down for players, coaches and fans alike. Forget the fans and ABCers. Focus on the players.
Who on the team shows up and attacks the game like he is ready to help restore UNC to the prominence it has become accustomed to? These are guys you move ahead with.
Who shows up with the attitude that this second-rate tournament is not worthy of anything more than a token performance? These are the guys who become nothing but practice filler, if they remain with the program.
So, I think UNC has much to gain from the NIT. The weeding out starts now.
jPD
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 15:20 — unc098I agree. As I said earlier it will be a referendum on who is going forward and who isn't.
NIT
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 12:50 — YAR8packI really wish State could have made at least 70% of their free throws against GT; had they done so, it would have almost assuredly resulted in a W for the Pack. Oh well. Good to see NC State's somewhat annual run in the ACC tournament.
Glad the Pack made it to the NIT. Hopefully they'll use it to their advantage for next season. Gonna be a rather tough bracket to make it out of; USF and UAB are no "laughers."
The only qualm I have with unc being in the NIT--they deserve to be there--is where they're seeded. unc shouldn't have garnered more than a #6 seed; State's where they should be in the NIT bracket...actually, having the Pack seeded as a 7th wouldn't have been a slight.
I'm aware unc played a reedonkulous schedule, something DUIke doesn't do, but how many of those games did they win? Isn't that what counts? Yeah, yeah, I know unc beat State twice in b-ball this year, but, I'd like for all those unc fans that said State's victory over unc in football "doesn't matter" in regards to the post-season to take those words into consideration before lambasting me. Obviously football and b-ball are two different sports, but that philosophy applies unilaterally.
DUIke
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 21:31 — gvillegatrlove the spelling of DUIke!!
Free throws
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 14:18 — JPDOhioPoor free throw shooting bothers me a lot. And I hate to make excuses for something that fundamental. But I do believe that fatigue had a lot to do with the low percentage on Saturday.
With the exception of Farnold, who is just bad at the free throw line and should be better, the rest of the guys are normally quite good. Scott is automatic, Dennis is close to automatic and Tracy is much improved. Javi has improved as well, although he didn't get to the free throw line on Saturday. These guys have been clutch lately too, so it's not that they choked.
That said, you are right that making their free throws probably gets them the win. But free throw shooting is as much mental as it is physical, and I think it was the mental fatigue that did them in. That also could explain the lack of focus that cost them the game in the last 3 minutes.
What's done is done. In the bigger picture, the likelihood of a Duke upset on Sunday was small anyway. Better that they had Sunday off to prepare for the NIT and maybe make a run there. They are building for the future now and a good showing in the NIT will help a lot.
I am concerned about this first game though. USF is not bad and I can envision a let down after a tough tournament. Better stop now. I am starting to make excuses before the fact, which is not good at all.
Poor FT shooting JDP
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 19:45 — unc098on Saturday WAS a fatigue issue. The first half in particular. The players weren't following through on their shots from the line or anywhere else for that matter. There was a lot of effort expended in the first two games and they almost pulled it off. Its a credit to the players and the coaches that they came out the second half and competed. As I stated in many other posts this State team has a lot to build on going in to the next season. I think your observation about them being weary after the tourney against SF may be correct. It will be interesting to see if they can continue. I wish them luck.
I sure hope I am wrong on that last point
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 20:35 — JPDOhioHow State comes out on Tuesday will tell us something about how far this team has come. It would be a shame if their season were were to end on a bad note.
On the other hand, they wanted this, they got it and they control the attitude and effort they bring. I am hopeful they will come out energized and continue the solid play we saw last weekend.
I am there with you on that.
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 20:45 — unc098I am there with you on that. What you said earlier about it being a blessing in disguise not having to play Sunday may be the deal. My prediction is they may come out a little sluggish but zippy in the second half. Will they run or continue to play the slow half court game that gave them so much success in the tourney? I was impressed how they ran to make up the deficit in the second half of Sat.'s game. and then settle back into a half court game when they got the lead. I hope they make it to the garden. Should they meet UNC there it will only be because the Heels have gotten their act together which would mean a great game. We can only hope.
State-Carolina
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 13:06 — Heels20Comparing the football situation to the basketball is irrelevant. In football, we had a significantly better record and lost to you by only a point. In basketball, we had the same in-conference record, a much tougher non-conference and we beat you by double digits in both games (1 of which Ed Davis was not 100%, and the other in which he did not play). I just don't see how the two situations can be compared.
That being said, I would not want to play State right now. They are clicking and at the high point of their season. We are at the lowest point Carolina basketball has seen since 2002. If we could put a couple wins together then maybe I would feel more confident, but it's tough to envision that after the last couple performances.
Did State lose in b-ball? Did unc lose in football?
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 13:37 — YAR8packThe answer is yes. Dress it up for disclaimer however you want.
Yes, the Pack lost ugly by double-digits in b-ball, while unc lost by a point to NC State in football--either way, both are still a LOSS.
All uncers exclaimed that the football situation didn't matter in regards to the post-season, I'm just returning the favor via b-ball. Hey man, at least you care about football, unlike a lot of heal "fans."
I really think State's problems earlier in the season pertained more to a mental preparedness and total lack of. The b-ball team has come together since they've figured out who the leaders of the team are (Javi and Tracy). All Pack fans can hope for Tuesday night is that the leadership continuity returns...and that it makes a steady appearance throughout the 2010-11 season.
Yar 8
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 20:21 — unc098I was at that UNC/State game last fall and it was the most painful loss I can remember in a long time. Probably akin to THE fumble at the goal line by T.A. McClendon for State fans.
There are a lot of us UNCers who love our football team and ACC football in general.
I was mainly supporting the
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 13:49 — Heels20I was mainly supporting the argument that saying State's win over Carolina makes them a better football team isn't the same as saying Carolina's wins over State make them a better basketball team. There's a big picture involved. But hey, we could go back and forth on this all day and neither one of us would change the other's opinion.
Sid will continue to coach and I expect the Pack players to continue to play hard. State has shown major progression throughout this season and are beginning to build a foundation for something that can be special. The only negative thing that can come from post-season play is success that leads to raised expectations for a team that could eventually be torn apart by egos. As JPD said, that is unlikely considering that Javi and Tracy are very unselfish players and seeing CJ jumping up and down on the bench when Farnold or Julius makes a play shows how close-knit this team is.
Please forgive my unnecessarily wordy sentences. I'm too lazy to organize my thoughts for the moment. I'll sum it up by saying I hope that both State and Carolina can make improvements through post-season play and extra practice time. Best of luck to both sides.
Crybabies
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 11:57 — CFeverSome of you on this thread need to check your loyalty to Carolina basketball. Saying that this season's struggles are a result of laziness and lack of effort by the players? Seriously?
After watching Roy Williams coach this team for multiple seasons, do any of you truly believe that he would have left anyone out on the floor if he (Roy) believed that they were being lazy or not going 100%?
Yes, this season has been a disappointment. Yes, there are plenty of things to blame it on. Blame it on a lack of team chemistry and cohesion. Blame it on not having a true outside shooter. Blame it on not having experienced, consistent point guard play. Blame it on a rash of injuries that would take a huge toll on any team's season. But don't just say the players were lazy and didn't go 100%. That's just a fair-weather fan's cop-out excuse. "Oh, I still love Carolina, but I don't support THESE PLAYERS because they don't play hard." Give me a break. If that's as much as you care about Carolina sports, then go watch field hockey or something.
If you truly love Carolina basketball, then you should desperately want Carolina to play well and make it to the Garden, where young players like Henson, Strickland and the Wears can get some real neutral-court experience in a tournament atmosphere. Experience that could pay huge dividends in the next few seasons.
UH
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 19:32 — unc098UNC Field Hockey kicks major butt. How about National Champions? Yeah maybe I should go to more of their games.
Rah Rah Carolina Fever
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 12:34 — Heels20Open your eyes to the realistic situation. I am as big of a Heels fan as you will find, evidenced by the fact I was one of the few who followed them to Greensboro. I stick with the team during the highs and lows, but if you think this team has left it all on the floor this season, then you are unbelievably delusional.
Injuries have been key and there has been an obvious [expected] dropoff at the point guard position. The team appears to not mesh well together, but that is no excuse for getting abused by inferior talent. This season has been highlighted by regression and mental mistakes that have led to a demoralization that resulted in half the team giving up. Example? Allowing 20 to 25 seconds run off the shot clock before fouling in an obvious must-foul situation at College of Charleston. Maybe you can expect that with a young team, but then they made the same mistake a couple weeks ago at Boston College.
Furthermore, why is it that Deon and Ed always seem to jog up and down the floor when you see the likes of Tracy Smith sprinting up and down? These are supposed to be our team leaders, but there never seems to be a real sense of urgency. I'm not saying that they don't want it, but they just don't want it enough. This team doesn't have a winning attitude, and if you want to ignore reality and call me a fair-weathered fan, look no further than the quotes of the head coach. How many times has he reiterated how complicated it has been to motivate this team?
Not all is lost. Henson still wants it. Leslie McDonald has continued to play within the system. Zeller is still a little shaky, probably because of injuries, but he's been giving it his all on the floor. Unfortunately, Strickland has not shown the same intensity he was showing in December, the Wears seem not to support Drew II and Deon has made very little progression in attacking the basket. I would love for this team to do well every game, but after what I saw in the past 2 games, my expectations are not very high.
Not fouling in an obvious
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 12:45 — CFeverNot fouling in an obvious foul situation has nothing to do with lack of effort, and everything to do with a lack of mental preparedness and knowing the situation that you are in. I know you can argue that lack of effort lead to not being mentally prepared, and so on and so on...
I'm not sure what games you were watching, but I saw Ed hustle more than anyone else on the floor (before his injury, of course).
In the end, I do agree with you to a certain extent. However, I feel far too many people take the easy way out and just blame everything on a lack of effort from the players, when there are much more valid reasons for the struggle, which they don't want to admit (read: the team is just not as talented as it has been in the past or will be in the future).
Good day.
Re:
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 12:59 — Heels20Not fouling in an obvious situation once is a sign of inexperience and immaturity. Repeating your mistakes and not improving the things you can control are a result of lack of effort.
Before and after his injury, Ed rarely played defense before the ball got there. Just watch the replay of a January game and you'll see him playing without a sense of urgency. This wasn't recognized as much because he was the most talented player we had down low and usually put up the numbers.
The team no being as talented as in the past is a legitimate excuse for not returning to the Final Four, or past the Sweet 16. But let's be honest, this team did not meet its full potential. Injuries played a huge part, but this team definitely could have gone 8-8 in conference if it hustled the way it did in December. There is no Ty Lawson on this team and there is no Tyler Hansbrough. Not even a Wayne Ellington or Danny Green. But as a team loaded with young talent, they fell well short of expectations this season.
Heels 20
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 20:00 — unc098I agree that this team lacked enthusiasm. I believe it is the crux of our angst as Heels fans. We are not used to seeing a Roy Williams coached team play with so little focus. I believe the blame can be passed around. I agree with Cfever in that there are many other factors which contributed to the demise of the season which we all have talked about ad nauseum. Injuries did play a major factor and still do. Pretty easy to get discouraged when every week another player goes down. I also think that the lack of Senior leadership ( Ginyard was hurt so he does get some lack ) contributed a great deal. Deon Thompson is by far the softest player for his size of any Tar Heel I can remember in recent history. His bizarre lapses of concentration and effort just drove me crazy and it has his entire career. This season was an opportunity for him to make a real case for the NBA. Well that won't happen. I say thanks for the good play last year but not sorry to see ya go.
Agreed
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 22:09 — Heels20Injuries, chemistry issues and lack of a consistent 3-point shooter all contributed to the downfall, but what drove it out of an NCAA bid was the lack of effort night in and night out. As you said, part of that can be attributed to the absence of leadership.
First off, it's obvious from
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 08:59 — gmanjFirst off, it's obvious from reading your post you didn't actually GO to Duke, so you're just hitching your wagon. Woop de doo. Secondly, even if you were a Dookie, I think you might want to establish an ability to avoid getting blown off the floor by every random Big East team you meet before gloating.
tarhole crybabies!
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 08:18 — bluecat69bluecat69i hope u red necks have fun at the little dance, i will be at the "BIG DANCE" watching those big bad bluedevils win again! who knows , maybe the losing tarholes can whip up on BILL AND MARYLEE, i doubt it thou, because as many of u have said, the sh-t-holes are nothing but quiters, as well as losers, ok, go DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 10:48 — CFeverWow. Way to show the class that so many people associate with the program that you so dearly love (that was sarcasm by the way).
It's painfully obvious that you've never stepped foot on Duke's campus other than to go to a basketball game.
What will your tune be when Duke stumbles in the Sweet 16 or Elite 8 and once again has an awesome season ultimately ended on a down note by an upset loss to a lower seeded team.
Don't even try to act like you think that Duke is athletic enough, big enough, or fast enough to match up with the real top teams in the Dance.
Excellent
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 23:00 — JPDOhioGlad to see that the Pack's season will continue.
Unexpected bonus-my son lives in Tampa, so there will be at least one State fan in the stands.
Wow...this team ( UNC ) has
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 22:03 — unc098Wow...this team ( UNC ) has managed to bring even their own fans into apathy and cynicism. Lets just say that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Heels go down Tuesday.Nor would I be surprised to see them show either. I suspect it will be a referendum on their commitment to the program.
An opportunity
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 22:55 — JPDOhioEvery player on the Tar Heel team has to be fully aware of what is being said about them. Anyone who chooses not to show up should never see the floor again in a Tar Heel uniform.
This is an opportunity for each guy to show that he finally gets it. The result doesn't matter. The effort does.
Perfectly stated
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 23:23 — Heels20I have nothing to add.
Reason for optimism?
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 22:14 — Heels20The game is in Carmichael, which should make up for any issues of poor attendance. Tickets are $40, so poor attendance should be expected.
Is there justice in the universe?
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 21:48 — Joseph_de_MaistreBecause there ~should~ be justice and my team, UNC, has had a sorry season exacerbated by a serious effort deficit, I hope that they lose to W&M. That will give them a losing record, which will accurately reflect what this season has been. I just don't see the justice in them being able to buff up their record with a few wins against teams that are generally not within the country's best 65. And post-season play for third-rate teams is pretty dubious under the best of circumstances, IMO. If I sound ungenerous to "my" team, so be it. It is not like I am beating up on a bunch of kids who left it all out on the court.
Now State is a different situation, a tough season but not a season of such lousy attitudes that the coach had to complain publicly about the lack of motivation. The NIT is no great honor for any major program, but, between the two schools, I'd rather see State win a few and salvage something.
Take it easy, big guy
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 21:55 — Heels20I don't think we deserve to be there, but there's no reason to wish negative things upon this team. I doubt them, but I'm not going to all-out degrade them. In a season where so few good things can be reflected upon, it would at least be nice to somehow make something happen to end the season on a good note. Issues with effort are soon to be worked out, as those who don't want to leave it all on the floor will either nail themselves to the bench or bring their egos elsewhere.
absurd
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 21:00 — trbarlW&M's RPI is 58. UNC's is 92.
How is this game in Chapel Hill and not Williamsburg?
Go Tribe!
Duh!
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 10:51 — CFeverUNC's strength of schedule is 4, W&M's is 103.
C'mon now, at least try to think problems out every once in awhile before posting something stupid!
W&M
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 01:06 — LetsGoPittPer CBSSport.com:
UNC: RPI = 92, SOS =17
W&M: RPI = 58, SOS =110
Anyway, I was talking about W&M vs. Utah State, since many question why Utah St is in. As for UNC/W&M, interesting matchup given Tribe's win over MD and Wake.
Tribe
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 22:58 — LetsGoPittIf I were on the NCAA comittee, I think I might have W&M in instead of Utah State. Regardless, this looks like a great match-up. Could be a few good 2nd round games as well: Dayton/Cinci and VaTech/UCONN. NIT should provide good viewing as we get ready for NCAA's.
1 and done
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 20:48 — Heels20I try not to be too pessimistic, but our team is divided and half of them don't care. While this could be an opportunity to find some positives going out of the season, I think our guys have quit on Roy.
hard to argue
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 21:03 — gvillegatr100% crap shoot as to whether UNC "shows up" tuesday night.
I'm not convinced I even wanted this to happen, but alas it is not my decision.
I will watch and root for the Heels and the Pack so we can see these two team plays again. I think this will be the spark UNC needs to play on. ncsu does not need the same spark b/c they are at least playing like a genuine team who cares.
Humm
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 20:41 — unc098maybe. It would be fun to see UNC and State back at it in the garden.
Agree
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 10:49 — SurferBut if UNC can get by the brother and sister, Miss. St. presents a HUGE road block. So as much as State fans want a third try at UNC, esp as well as they are playing, I doubt it happens.
Surfer
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 19:28 — unc098I agree. Miss State is the real deal.
nOT EVEN talking about it
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 11:32 — JPDOhioAs much as I would love to see a UNC-State rematch and as well as the Pack is playing at the moment, I don't want to make the mistake of looking ahead.
USF will be a test. One game at a time.
If for some reason both
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 21:31 — jdmooreIf for some reason both teams show up for this tournament and make it far enough to play against each other, they would meet in the quarterfinals with a birth to the garden on the line. Only the final four teams make it to the garden. It would be a nice showdown on tobacco road though.
The debacle continues
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 20:30 — Guitarman51William and Mary has beaten Maryland and Virginia. UNC shouldn't present much of a problem for them.
W&M
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 22:52 — melvinfurdOn the other hand, William & Mary lost to Towson State (10-21), UNC-W (9-22) and James Madison (13-20), so maybe W&M isn't "unbeatable" when it comes to playing a UNC at Carmichael.
W&M actually beat Maryland
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 21:04 — trbarlW&M actually beat Maryland and Wake Forest. Both on the road, of course.
Didn't play Virginia in basketball, but we did beat them in football.