The annual handwringing over the work of the NCAA men's basketball selection committee has begun, and this year, the inclusion of both Texas and North Carolina has left many scratching their heads. Despite genuinely consistent selections in the NET era, this year's decisions have raised questions about the committee's consistency and criteria.

The Texas Dilemma

Texas, with its seven Quad 1 wins, has a strong case for inclusion despite a 15-loss season, a 6-12 league record, and a No. 287 nonconference schedule. The Longhorns' ability to win high-level games is commendable, but their overall record leaves room for debate.

The North Carolina Conundrum

On the other hand, North Carolina's inclusion is more perplexing. The Tar Heels, with a No. 5 nonconference schedule, managed only one Quad 1 win in 13 attempts. This lack of success in high-level games is disqualifying for many, especially in an era that prioritizes winning the toughest matchups.

Comparing the Two

Both Texas and North Carolina have 10 combined Q1/Q2 wins, but this similarity doesn't justify their inclusion over teams like West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio State, and Boise State, which also have comparable records. The question remains: what message is the committee sending to schools for future tournaments?

The Bigger Picture

Rewarding both Texas and North Carolina sends a mixed message. It suggests that winning doesn't matter unless it does, creating confusion about the criteria for selection. This inconsistency undermines the integrity of the selection process and leaves fans and experts alike questioning the committee's logic.

Other Notable Selections

West Virginia was notably snubbed despite impressive wins over Gonzaga, Arizona, Kansas, and Iowa. Louisville's placement as an 8-seed also raised eyebrows, given their 15 Q1/Q2 wins and 18-2 ACC record. The top eight teams, including Auburn, Duke, and Houston, are as strong as any group of 1- and 2-seeds in recent memory, collectively winning 148 Q1/Q2 games.

As the madness of March begins, the debate over the selection committee's decisions will undoubtedly continue, adding another layer of intrigue to this year's NCAA men's basketball tournament.