All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: Bracket Projection Extremely Unkind to Tar Heels

The 2023-24 UNC basketball résumé could get a big boost with a victory over Oklahoma.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

UNC basketball ranks No. 11 in this week's Associated Press Top 25 Poll. So, given that and the fact the team has either prevailed or come close while facing ranked-at-the-time foes in four of its past five outings (3-2 in that stretch), one would think the Tar Heels (7-3, 1-0 ACC) should be a projected top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Well, not at all bracketologists see it that way.

On Tuesday, Fox College Hoops revealed its first March Madness bracket forecast of the season, courtesy of Michael DeCourcy. It shows UNC as a mere No. 7 seed in the East Region.

That's the same seed as archrival Duke (7-3, 0-1 ACC). Note that the No. 21 Blue Devils' only victory this season over a high-major opponent came against a Michigan State team (No. 12 seed in DeCourcy's bracket) that now already has five losses.

And it's the same seed as No. 22 Virginia (9-1, 1-0 ACC), a squad that scored only 41 points in a 24-point defeat at the hands of now-No. 24 Wisconsin (No. 4 seed in the above bracket) just a few weeks ago.

Projected No. 3 seed Clemson (9-1, 1-0 ACC) is the only other team from the conference in DeCourcy's bracket.

As for the Tar Heels, they have an opportunity to improve their standing considerably when they face undefeated No. 7 Oklahoma (10-0, 0-0 Big 12) at 9 p.m. ET Wednesday (ESPN) as part of the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte's Spectrum Center.

STREAM: fuboTV (start your free trial)

In the eyes of DeCourcy, Oklahoma is the third projected No. 2 seed on UNC basketball's schedule within a 22-day span, along with Tennessee and defending national champion UConn. The Tar Heels are 1-1 in those outings, having beaten Tennessee at home and fallen to UConn in Madison Square Garden.

One Oklahoma Stat Should Be Warning to Tar Heels

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball