Bacot says he's returning for 5th season at North Carolina
North Carolina forward Armando Bacot reacts after he dunked against Duke during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. Credit: AP/Chris Seward
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina forward Armando Bacot is returning to play a fifth season for the Tar Heels.
Bacot announced his decision Wednesday, giving North Carolina fans a bit of good news after the Tar Heels failed to reach the NCAA Tournament.
The 6-foot-11 Bacot is North Carolina’s career leader in rebounds, double-doubles and double-figure rebounding games.
Bacot led North Carolina to a runner-up finish in last year’s NCAA Tournament, and his decision to return was a major reason the Tar Heels were ranked No. 1 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25.
The Tar Heels didn’t come close to meeting those expectations. They went 20-13 and opted against playing in the NIT. Bacot earned Associated Press All-America third-team honors and averaged 15.9 points and 10.4 rebounds.
He averaged 16.3 points and 13.1 rebounds in 2021-22. He capped that season by becoming the first player ever to have six double-doubles in one NCAA Tournament.
Bacot participated in North Carolina’s Senior Night festivities this year. He has a fifth year of eligibility because of the waiver the NCAA granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Carolina forward Armando Bacot (5) tries to hang on to the ball as Virginia center Francisco Caffaro (22) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference men's tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, March 9, 2023. Credit: AP/Chuck Burton
