The NCAA selected SMU for the tournament based on the expected return of key player B.J. Edwards, who was listed as out just hours before their game against Miami (OH).
NCAA Selection Committee chair Keith Gill cited Edwards' status as a pivotal factor, noting he is the team's third-leading scorer and defensive anchor.
Despite SMU’s public statement that Edwards was expected to play, he did not suit up, raising questions about school-reported injury updates.
Coach Andy Enfield said Edwards looked strong in practice but wasn’t deemed game-ready. He confirmed Edwards would play in the next game if SMU advanced.
The incident underscores a growing concern: can the NCAA rely on teams’ health disclosures during high-stakes selection decisions?