WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Wake Forest men’s basketball team won’t compete in any postseason tournaments.

The Deacons announced the decision to decline a bid to the NIT Tournament Sunday after the NCAA Tournament’s field of 68 teams were revealed. While Wake Forest was a bubble team, it wasn’t among the “First Four Out” and likely needed to win the ACC Tournament to make the field.

Ironically, this year marks the 25th anniversary of when Wake Forest won the 2000 NIT Championship.

“While we are certainly disappointed that we did not make the NCAA Tournament, we believe declining the invitation to the NIT is the right decision for this team at this time …” said head coach Steve Forbes. “Now, our focus shifts to the future as we aggressively attack the roster-building process for the 2025-26 season. We are excited about what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to elevate Wake Forest Basketball.”

The Demon Deacons have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2017. The team’s last game of the 2024-25 season was a loss to North Carolina in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.

UNC did make the NCAA Tournament as one of the final teams selected for the field. The Tar Heels will play San Diego State in the First Four, with the winner advancing to play No. 6 Ole Miss in the first round.

Wake Forest’s 13-7 record in ACC play during the regular season was the team’s best conference finish since 2009.