50 Facts About Armando Bacot

Early Life and High School Journey

Armando Bacot's journey to basketball stardom began in Richmond, Virginia. His early years laid the foundation for his impressive career.

1. Birth and Hometown: Armando Bacot was born on March 6, 2000, in Richmond, Virginia.
2. High School Career: Bacot attended Trinity Episcopal School in his hometown before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year.
3. High School Statistics: As a sophomore at Trinity Episcopal, Bacot averaged 11.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. As a junior, he averaged 24.5 points and 12 rebounds per game.
4. High School Achievements: Bacot played in both the McDonald's All-American Game and the 2019 Jordan Brand Classic.

College Decision and Freshman Year

Choosing a college is a pivotal moment for any athlete. Bacot's choice to join the North Carolina Tar Heels marked the beginning of an illustrious college career.

5. College Choice: Bacot chose to play college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
6. Freshman Season (2019-2020): Bacot had a strong freshman season, averaging 9.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while shooting 46.9% from the floor.
7. Freshman Season Highlights: He recorded 11 double-doubles, the second most by a Tar Heel freshman, and was named First Team All-ACC.

Breaking Records and Achievements

Bacot's time at UNC was marked by numerous records and accolades, showcasing his dominance on the court.

8. College Records: He holds the program records for double-doubles and career rebounds at UNC.
9. College Career: Over his five-year career at UNC, Bacot played in a UNC-record 171 games.
10. ACC Player of the Year Voting: Bacot finished runner-up in the voting for ACC Player of the Year behind Wake Forest's Alondes Williams.
11. Double-Doubles Record: On March 10, 2022, Bacot broke the school record for double-doubles with his 24th of the season.
12. ACC Single-Season Record: He tied Tim Duncan's ACC single-season record with his 29th double-double and set a new record for most rebounds in a single season in ACC history.

NCAA Tournament Heroics

Bacot's performances in the NCAA Tournament were nothing short of legendary, setting records and leading his team to the Final Four.

13. NCAA Tournament Performance: In the 2022 NCAA Tournament, Bacot became the first player in tournament history to have a double-double in all six games.
14. Final Four Run: During the 2022 Final Four, Bacot recorded 15 points and 15 rebounds, leading UNC to the national championship game against Kansas.
15. Double-Doubles in NCAA Tournament: Bacot became the first player in college basketball history with six double-doubles in one NCAA Tournament.
16. NCAA Single-Season Record: He tied the all-time NCAA single-season record with 31 double-doubles, matching David Robinson's record from 1985-86.
17. NCAA Tournament Rebounds: Bacot recorded 99 rebounds in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, the second-most in NCAA Tournament history.
18. Final Four Rebounds: He had 36 rebounds in the Final Four, the third-most since 1973.

Senior Season and Return to UNC

Despite a challenging season, Bacot's decision to return to UNC for his senior year showcased his dedication and leadership.

19. Return to UNC: Despite the team's disappointing season, Bacot decided to return to UNC for his senior year.
20. Senior Season (2022-2023): In his senior season, Bacot averaged 30.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 54.4% from the field.
21. Senior Season Highlights: He led the ACC in rebounding (10.3) and was second in offensive rebounding (3.2). Bacot also made a career-best 78.1% from the free throw line.

Career Milestones and Records

Bacot's career at UNC was filled with milestones and records, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Tar Heels.

22. ACC History: Bacot shattered the single-season Tar Heel record with 511 rebounds, 95 more than the previous record set by Brice Johnson in 2015-16.
23. Career Rebounds: He holds the UNC record for rebounds (1,715), offensive rebounds (593), and double-doubles (87).
24. Career Points: Bacot scored 2,347 points, second most by a Tar Heel behind only Tyler Hansbrough.
25. NCAA Tournament Performance: In NCAA Tournament games, Bacot averaged 16.4 points and 13.7 rebounds per game, with eight double-doubles.
26. NCAA Tournament Records: He holds the UNC record for rebounds in Elite 8, national semifinal, and national championship games.
27. Most Valuable Player: One of four Tar Heels selected UNC’s Most Valuable Player three times, along with Lennie Rosenbluth, Cunningham, and Hansbrough.
28. Career Highs: Bacot scored in double figures 127 times and had a career-high 29 points twice. He scored 20 or more points 34 times.
29. Rebound Records: He broke Luke Maye’s school record for most rebounds in consecutive seasons by 95 rebounds (845 in 2021-22 and 2022-23).
30. ACC Player-of-the-Week Honors: Bacot was an eight-time ACC Player-of-the-Week honoree, the third most by a Tar Heel.

Off the Court: Business Ventures and NIL Deals

Bacot's success extended beyond the basketball court, with numerous business ventures and NIL deals.

31. Business Ventures: Off the court, Bacot has been involved in various business ventures, including deals with Crocs, Turbox Tax, Dunkin' Donuts, and more.
32. NIL Deals: He has earned significant money through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, including Wingstop, Intuit TurboTax, and Topps.
33. NIL Earnings: Bacot has stated that he earned over $2 million from NIL deals during his time at UNC.
34. Investments: He has invested in a hotel and Athletes.org (AO), a player association that helps college athletes with NIL deals.
35. Podcast Appearances: Bacot has appeared on several podcasts, including Theo Pinson’s show, where he discussed his earnings and business ventures.
36. Gratitude to UNC: Bacot expressed his gratitude to UNC, crediting the college for his success and the opportunities he received.

Transition to Professional Basketball

After a stellar college career, Bacot transitioned to professional basketball, signing with the Utah Jazz.

37. Career Path: After graduating from UNC in May 2023 with a degree in exercise and sports science and a minor in business administration, Bacot signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Utah Jazz.
38. Utah Jazz Contract: The contract paired him with former Duke Blue Devil and No. 32 overall pick Kyle Filipowski.
39. Summer League Debut: Bacot’s first game with the Utah Jazz took place on July 8, 2023, during the Salt Lake City Summer League on ESPN.
40. NBA Debut: This marked his debut in the NBA, where he will face top competition from this year’s draft.

Legacy and Impact

Bacot's legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements, impacting his community and inspiring future athletes.

41. College Legacy: Bacot left a lasting legacy at UNC, breaking multiple records and earning numerous accolades.
42. Community Impact: His success has also positively impacted his community, inspiring young athletes and demonstrating the potential of college basketball players.
43. Leadership Skills: Bacot demonstrated strong leadership skills both on and off the court, leading his team to several victories and managing his business ventures effectively.
44. Personal Growth: His journey from high school to professional basketball has been marked by significant personal growth, including his decision to return to UNC for a fifth year.
45. Philanthropy: While details are limited, Bacot has shown a commitment to philanthropy, using his platform to support various causes and initiatives.

Media Appearances and Public Perception

Bacot's presence extends to media appearances and his public persona, showcasing his multifaceted personality.

46. Media Appearances: He has made cameo appearances in media, including a season three episode of Netflix’s Outer Banks.
47. Public Perception: Bacot’s public perception is that of a dedicated athlete who is not afraid to speak his mind and stand up for himself, as evident from his comments about social media interactions.
48. Competitive Drive: His competitive drive is evident in his desire to be seen as "nasty" and to make people dislike him, which he believes fuels his performance on the court.
49. Mental Preparation: Bacot’s mental preparation involves focusing on being mean and making people mad, which he finds motivating.
50. Legacy Continues: As he continues his professional basketball career, Bacot’s legacy at UNC remains a testament to his hard work, dedication, and achievements in college basketball.

Armando Bacot's Impact and Future

Armando Bacot's journey from Richmond, Virginia, to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring. His record-breaking college career at UNC, where he set new standards for double-doubles and rebounds, showcases his dedication and talent. Bacot's decision to return for a fifth year at UNC highlights his commitment to growth and leadership. Off the court, his savvy business ventures and significant NIL earnings demonstrate his acumen beyond basketball. Now with the Memphis Grizzlies, Bacot's professional career holds great promise. His legacy at UNC, marked by numerous accolades and records, will inspire future athletes. Bacot's story is a testament to hard work, strategic decision-making, and the impact one can have both on and off the court. As he continues to make strides in the NBA, Bacot's influence in the basketball world will undoubtedly grow.