Armando Bacot (born November 19, 1999) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the North Carolina Tarheels of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. He is primarily recognized for his role as a center and power forward during his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).
Early life and education
Bacot was born in Durham, North Carolina. He attended Southern High School in Durham, where he emerged as a highly rated prospect, earning selections to multiple all-state and all-conference teams. He was ranked among the top high school recruits nationally by scouting services such as Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN.
College career
Bacot enrolled at UNC in 2018 and joined the Tar Heels men's basketball program under head coach Roy Williams. Over his five‑year tenure (including a graduate transfer season), he established himself as a key interior presence, known for rebounding, scoring in the paint, and defensive contributions.
- Freshman season (2018–19): Appeared in 35 games, averaging 5.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Contributed to UNC's run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen.
- Sophomore season (2019–20): Increased production to 11.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, earning All‑ACC honorable mention.
- Junior season (2020–21): Averaged 15.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, leading the ACC in rebounding and receiving All‑ACC first‑team honors. He was also named a third‑team All‑American by the Associated Press.
- Senior season (2021–22): Served as team captain, posting 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He was again named All‑ACC first team and became the first UNC player since 2006 to record 1,000 career rebounds.
- Graduate season (2022–23): Utilized an additional year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID‑19 pandemic. Averaged 14.4 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, again earning All‑ACC first‑team recognition and contributing to UNC's appearance in the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight.
Bacot finished his collegiate career as UNC's all‑time leader in total rebounds and second‑most in double‑digit rebounding games. He also ranks high on the program's all‑time scoring list.
Playing style
Bacot is characterized as a traditional post player with a strong low‑post game, effective pick‑and‑roll execution, and a high rebounding rate. He exhibits a durable work ethic and leadership qualities, often serving as a vocal presence on the court and in the locker room.
Professional prospects
Following the conclusion of his graduate season, Bacot declared for the 2023 NBA Draft but was not selected in the two‑round draft. He subsequently participated in NBA Summer League play and has pursued professional opportunities overseas and in the NBA G League.
Personal life
Bacot is known for his involvement in community service initiatives in the Durham area, including youth basketball camps and charitable events. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from UNC.
References
- University of North Carolina Athletics, Men's Basketball Player Profile: Armando Bacot.
- NCAA Statistics Database, Player Season Averages.
- Associated Press, All‑American Team Announcements (2021, 2022).
- NBA.com, Summer League Roster Listings (2023).
(All information reflects publicly available records and reputable sources up to September 2023.)