Miami RedHawks didn't deserve NCAA at-large bid, per Tyler Hansbrough

Former North Carolina All-American Tyler Hansbrough bluntly dismissed the Miami RedHawks’ inclusion in the 2025 NCAA Tournament during Field of 68’s Selection Sunday show, arguing the Mid-American Conference program’s résumé did not merit an at-large invitation.

“I don’t think they should’ve made the tournament,” Hansbrough said. “Their strength of schedule is pretty weak. What is it—339th? No Quad 1 wins.”

Hansbrough compared Miami’s credentials to last year’s North Carolina squad, noting that while the Tar Heels also faced Quad-1 scrutiny, “we had a much stronger schedule.” He believes the committee should have rewarded power-conference hopefuls instead.

“Teams in bigger conferences that actually have a legit chance and didn’t schedule D-II schools in their pre-conference schedule, I feel like they should’ve been rewarded,” he continued, singling out Oklahoma as one example. “Realistically, is Miami of Ohio a contender? Absolutely not. I have them losing in the play-in game.”

The RedHawks, making their first at-large appearance since 1999 when Wally Szczerbiak carried them to the Sweet 16, were slotted into the First Four and will meet SMU on Wednesday, March 18, at 9:15 p.m. Eastern. Szczerbiak, now an analyst, told viewers he was “very surprised” the selection committee tabbed a MAC team for the Dayton play-in round for the first time.

CBS’s Seth Davis reported on the broadcast that Miami received the very last at-large spot. Committee chair Keith Gill later confirmed that North Carolina State, Texas, and SMU were all ranked below the RedHawks on the final ballot.