West Virginia Governor Slams NCAA Selection Process After Mountaineers Snub
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has publicly criticized the NCAA tournament selection committee. The governor’s ire was sparked by the exclusion of the West Virginia Mountaineers from the tournament, a decision he described as a “miscarriage of justice and robbery at the highest levels.”
Standing at a lectern adorned with a sign reading “National Corrupt Athletic Association,” Morrisey did not mince words during his Monday address in Charleston, West Virginia. He has called upon his attorney general to investigate the selection process, demanding transparency and fairness from the NCAA.
The Mountaineers, who finished the season with a 19-13 record, boasted six Quad 1 wins. However, their campaign was marred by an early exit in the Big 12 tournament, where they lost to last-place Colorado. Adding to their woes, the team played much of the season without Tucker DeVries, the coach’s son, who was sidelined due to an upper-body injury that required surgery. DeVries had been a key player, averaging 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in his eight starts.
First-year Mountaineers coach Darian DeVries expressed the team’s collective disappointment, stating they were “extremely shocked, saddened and disappointed” by the snub.
Bubba Cunningham, the North Carolina athletic director and chairman of the NCAA tournament selection committee, addressed the exclusion of West Virginia during the selection show. He acknowledged the impact of DeVries’ injury on the committee’s decision-making process, noting that player availability is a significant factor in their discussions.
“The last four teams that were out … it was a tough call,” Cunningham explained. “The next team out was West Virginia, and they had an outstanding year and, unfortunately, knowing Tucker DeVries was hurt, player availability is something that we talk about quite a bit.”
- Indiana
- Ohio State
- Boise State
These teams were also mentioned as being close to making the cut, highlighting the competitive nature of the selection process.
Adding fuel to the fire, one of the last at-large teams to make the field was North Carolina (22-13). Their inclusion raised eyebrows due to Cunningham’s dual role with both the selection committee and the Tar Heels. Governor Morrisey did not hold back, stating, “This stinks at the highest level. This doesn’t pass the smell test.” He referenced reported incentives that Cunningham would receive if the Tar Heels made the tournament, further fueling allegations of corruption.
Despite the controversy, Morrisey indicated that it was “too soon for litigation.” Meanwhile, North Carolina was chosen as an 11-seed, with their inclusion based on an 8-0 mark against Quad 2 teams, despite a 1-12 record against Quad 1 teams. Keith Gill, Sun Belt Conference commissioner and selection committee vice chairman, cited other favorable metrics in their decision.
Cunningham clarified that he was not involved in any debate concerning UNC, with Gill managing all conversations related to North Carolina.
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey has echoed the governor’s call for transparency, seeking clarity on the selection process. “What we are asking for is a level of detail and a level of transparency, level of accountability, so teams like West Virginia can plan in the future and say, ‘What are we supposed to do to get into the tournament?'” McCuskey stated.
As the dust settles, the controversy surrounding the NCAA tournament selection process continues to unfold, with many eagerly awaiting further developments.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
