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Charles Barkley claims North Carolina got in NCAA Tournament with 'Harry Houdini on the committee'

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•03/20/25•

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Many college basketball fans questioned the integrity of the NCAA Tournament selection committee on Sunday after it awarded North Carolina an at-large bid in the Big Dance. The move was particularly suspicious since North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham was the chairman of the selection committee.

Although Cunningham reportedly recused himself from the conversation when the selection committee discussed North Carolina receiving a spot in the NCAA Tournament, not everybody is convinced Cunningham didn’t influence the final decision. On Thursday, TNT’s Charles Barkley tore into Cunningham and North Carolina.

“You had Harry Houdini on the committee, had a bonus and a check for putting y’all in the tournament. Never trust a guy named Bubba,” Barkley said to North Carolina legend and co-host Kenny Smith.

Despite Barkley’s jests, Cunningham has maintained he approached the role with the utmost integrity. He provided further details on his experience earlier this week.

“Any of us that have to chair the committee, you come in with that knowledge,” Cunningham said. “I’ve been on the committee now for five years, I’ve watched four others lead the committee. And I think it’s been a great learning experience.

“You do have an opinion, you do have your own thoughts and your own ideas. But the responsibility of the chair is to have the committee work together to be fair, to find the best 37 to put in the field, and allow everyone to speak their mind.”

Most experts didn’t expect North Carolina to make it into the NCAA Tournament due to its record against quality opponents. The Tar Heels went 1-12 against Quad 1 foes this season. Alas, it’s worth noting the Tar Heels went 8-0 against Quad 2 foes.

North Carolina shut out the noise surrounding its program on Wednesday and dominated San Diego State 95-68 in the First Four matchup to advance to the Round of 64. After the win, North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis praised his team for their focus.

“No, I don’t think it was a weight on us to try to get into the NCAA Tournament,” Davis said. “My communication with them is to always focus on us. It’s not the noise on the outside in terms of comments and critics.

“Focusing on our preparation, our practice, and our play. I consistently send that message in a number of different ways because that’s the only thing that we have control over. So, why waste time doing anything else?”