As we step into March, the excitement of college basketball's "madness" is upon us. The North Carolina Tar Heels are gearing up for the ACC Tournaments, with both the men's and women's teams in promising positions for the NCAA Tournament.
For the men's team, despite the setback of Caleb Wilson's injury, their recent 3-1 run, including a victory over Louisville, has solidified their standing. Projections suggest that even with potential losses, they would remain around a #6 seed, possibly dropping to #8 with an early ACC Tournament exit. The Bracket Matrix composite, which aggregates 127 Bracketology projections, currently places them as the top #6 seed, with most experts agreeing on a #5 or #6 seed.
If the Tar Heels manage to win out in the regular season, they could secure a #5 seed. Adding an ACC Tournament title, with victories over key rivals like Duke, might elevate them to a #3 seed. However, given their current form and challenges, an undefeated run seems ambitious.
On the women's side, their position is more secure. ESPN and CBS Sports both project them as a #5 seed, just shy of hosting the first two rounds at home.
Although not in the top four seed lines in the Selection Committee's early preview, they have opportunities to climb higher with upcoming games and the ACC Tournament. A potential Sweet 16 clash with #1 seed South Carolina looms, a matchup that has been a hurdle in recent years.
Both Tar Heels teams have a few weeks to enhance their NCAA Tournament prospects, but the path is challenging. Fortunately, it seems unlikely that Selection Sunday will bring any unwelcome surprises for UNC fans.