You won’t meet many players who loved playing basketball at UNC more than Armando Bacot, who left Chapel Hill as arguably the greatest big man since Tyler Hansbrough.
Bacot played at North Carolina from 2019-2024, a time period during which he became the program’s all-time leading overall rebounder (1,715), offensive rebounder (593) and double-doubles (87). The Tar Heels made three NCAA Tournament appearances with Bacot, highlighted by an improbable run to the 2022 National Championship.
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Now entering his second professional season, Bacot will play with Turkish club Fenerbahçe Beko. Recently, Bacot sat down and detailed his decision to sign overseas.
“Early in the summer, I got offered by a couple EuroLeague teams,” Bacot said. “Not Fenerbahçe though. My intentions were to sign with the Charlotte Hornets, but Fenerbahçe called me and I got a chance to talk with the coach. I talked to some people that played here and have been around this atmosphere. I liked what they said – and it was a no-brainer.”
Bacot spent his first season of pro basketball with the Memphis Hustle, which operates as the Memphis Grizzlies‘ G-League affiliate. With averages of 18.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, Bacot certainly proved himself of NBA roster looks.
Bacot got a small taste of NBA action, though, playing Summer League ball both this year and in 2024. By heading to Europe for Year Two, though, Bacot has a golden chance to prove himself as NBA-worthy.
Will Bacot eventually sign with the Charlotte Hornets, as he mentioned above, or stay overseas? Regardless of what Bacot chooses, he is certainly missed in Chapel Hill.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball great Armando Bacot talks choosing EuroBall over NBA