Can North Carolina basketball officially be considered 'back'? Posted Sep 21, 2016 North Carolina’s return to the Final Four in 2016 ended a six-year absence -- its longest since a stretch from 1983-1990. Men's basketball wasn’t implicated in the NCAA's amended Notice of Allegations stemming from the investigation. With the case wrapping up, it appears the Tar Heels won't be hit with heavy sanctions. But are they officially back? (ESPN.com)