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 by an upper-body injury requiring surgery. DeVries had been a key player, averaging 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in his eight starts.
First-year coach Darian DeVries expressed the team’s collective disappointment, stating they were “extremely shocked, saddened and disappointed” by the snub. The NCAA tournament selection committee, chaired by North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham, cited DeVries’ injury as a factor in their decision-making process.
“The last four teams that were out … it was a tough call,” Cunningham explained during the selection show. “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.”
Other teams that narrowly missed the cut included Indiana, Ohio State, and Boise State. Meanwhile, North Carolina (22-13) was one of the last at-large teams to make the field, a decision that has raised eyebrows due to Cunningham’s dual role.
- West Virginia’s record: 19-13
- North Carolina’s record: 22-13
- North Carolina’s Quad 1 record: 1-12
- North Carolina’s Quad 2 record: 8-0
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, adding, “I want folks to let that sink in for a moment. Any way you slice it, this thing reeks of corruption.”
While litigation is not yet on the table, Morrisey’s comments have certainly stirred the pot. North Carolina was chosen as an 11-seed, with its inclusion based on favorable metrics beyond its Quad 1 record, according to Keith Gill, Sun Belt Conference commissioner and selection committee vice chairman. Cunningham clarified that he was not involved in any discussions about UNC, with Gill managing all conversations concerning the team.
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey has echoed the call for transparency, stating, “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?'”
The controversy surrounding the NCAA selection process is far from over, and as the dust settles, the demand for clarity and fairness continues to grow. The Mountaineers’ exclusion has not only sparked outrage but also ignited a broader conversation about the integrity of the selection process.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
