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Former ESPN Star Jalen Rose Takes Shot At North Carolina

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 2:30 PM ET

You can safely count former ESPN analyst and college basketball star Jalen Rose among the many that were angry to see North Carolina get into the NCAA Tournament this year.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rose made it clear that he's never been a fan of the way the NCAA Tournament is put together to begin with.

"I’ve been skeptical about how things have gone down with the NCAA since the beginning of time," he admitted. "How do you put (Tar Heels athletic director Bubba Cunningham) in that position, and at some point, this doesn’t become a contradiction? That happens on a lot of different levels if that’s the point. So, of course, if he has to wave the flag for a school to get in the NCAA Tournament, there’s something in baseball they use called, ‘Tie goes to the runner.’ That’s what’s going to happen when he’s in position.

"I’m not saying I like it. I’m saying that’s what it is. The coaches know what it is. The schools know what it is. Media members know what it is, and everybody’s calling it out. And it’s fine."

But then Rose took a shot at UNC by declaring that it won't be a talking point for much longer since he expects San Diego State to eliminate them in the First Four. He praised the Aztecs and head coach Brian Dutcher for their "defensive prowess" and believes they're "uniquely poised" to be UNC.

"Y'all are only going to be able to talk about it for another 24 hours because Brian Dutcher and San Diego State are going to knock them out anyway," Rose said.

"For me, San Diego State would be very poised to beat UNC just because of their defensive prowess, and how they make sure on that end of the floor they’re going to get after it. They’ve been top in the country in all defensive statistical categories, not only this year, but the year they went to the Final Four. I think they’re going to be uniquely poised to take care of business against Carolina."

North Carolina are 22-12 heading into the First Four. But despite Rose's confidence in the Aztecs, the Tar Heels are favorites heading into this one.

The game will be played at 9:10 p.m. and will air on truTV.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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