Manie Robinson

Sports Columnist

The NCAA left the Tarheels singing the blues. It packed its suitcase and moved on down the line. North Carolina watched its darling dance in another’s arms.

In response to House Bill 2, the state law that restricted use of public restrooms based on biological sex, the NCAA joined several sports organizations, musicians and companies that pulled events from North Carolina.

Greenville benefitted from the boycott in March. Furman University and the South Conference hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament that were previously awarded to Greensboro.

The NCAA issued an ultimatum urging North Carolina to change its ways. Legislators responded with the fury of a B.B. King ballad. Last month, just before the NCAA’s deadline, North Carolina repealed House Bill 2 and replaced it with a Diet Coke version.

It is technically different and purportedly healthier, but it still does not satisfy everyone.

The new law, House Bill 142, did not take the state out of bathrooms, but it did return the state to its Sweet Sixteen sweetheart. On Tuesday afternoon, the NCAA awarded the first and second rounds of the 2020 and 2021 men’s tournament to Greensboro and Raleigh, respectively.

One may have presumed the reconciliation would leave Greenville without a dance partner. That presumption portrays Greenville as a cunning swooner who merely wooed a scorned lover. However, Greenville does not need a side-by-side comparison with North Carolina to prove it is a desirable companion.

It does not need its northern neighbors to fall from grace. It does not need to prey on discontent. It does not need concessions for its own recent reconciliation.

In this bidding cycle, Greenville stood on its own merits. It stood toe to toe with Raleigh and Cary. It stood arena to arena with Charlotte and Greensboro. It stood restaurant to restaurant with Jacksonville and Memphis. Greenville challenged the toughest, deepest competition in college sports.

It won a few rounds.

The Southern Conference secured a bid to host Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena during the 2020 women’s basketball tournament. In 2022, the men’s tournament will return to The Well. That may seem like a long time to wait, but compared to the 15-year separation the Palmetto State endured during the Confederate flag boycott, five years will feel like speed-dating.

Last month, Greenville flattered its visitors with nearly flawless execution in logistics and fanfare. It was the first stop along the University of North Carolina’s redemptive ride to the national championship. It was the starting block for the University of South Carolina’s mesmerizing race to its first Final Four. The USC women’s team claimed the first crown of its postseason sweep in Greenville during the Southeastern Conference.

With the help of enthused and engaged local fans, Greenville transformed into the new Tournament Town. It impressed the NCAA well enough to earn a second date.

And perhaps lay the foundation of a lasting union. But let us not jump the gun on jumping the broom. With its recent relationship history, the NCAA may not be the best candidate for commitment.