UNC is Never the Cinderella

There have been some who have called eighth-seeded UNC the Cinderella of this year’s Final Four, but the Tar Heels don’t agree.

“Honestly I don’t think we’re a Cinderella team because I knew from the beginning of the season that I felt we could do this as a team,” Puff Johnson said Thursday. “Honestly, throughout the whole season, we knew we were capable of making it this far. So in our eyes, I don’t feel like we’re a Cinderella team.”

“I don’t know what Cinderella team means,” head coach Hubert Davis said. “North Carolina’s been to more Final Fours than any program ever. I know that the togetherness of this team and the health of this team has been at an all time high the last two months. I know that we’re playing extremely well and we’re deserving of being here.

UNC made the Final Four in 2016, 2017 and now in 2022. The Tar Heels also made the Sweet 16 in 2019 with a squad many felt were capable of winning a national championship. When you come to UNC there is an expectation of excellence. Even as an eight-seed this run to the Final Four isn’t Cinderella.