UNC Basketball Treasure Speaks Out in First Official Pro Outing

On November 16, 2024By Littum

Armando Bacot knocked down five 3-point attempts across his five seasons as the UNC basketball program’s full-time starting center. Through a scrimmage with the G League’s Memphis Hustle that marked his regular-season professional debut after going undrafted in June, the 24-year-old from Richmond, Va., is already over halfway to his college make-over-the-arc total

READ ALSO: Former UNC forward James Okonkwo is relishing the starting role at the New School

In Saturday’s 103-97 road loss to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Bacot shot 3-for-9 from downtown.

Rock is moving.

End 1 | MHU 33, RGV 22 pic.twitter.com/zN5N8mBhdf

— Memphis Hustle (@MemphisHustle) 10 November 2024

Aside from the 3-point column, however, the ACC’s all-time double-double producer posted a stat line similar to his standard night in a UNC basketball jersey as he finished with 17 points, 18 rebounds, five assists and two steals across his as impressive game-high 37 minutes as a starter.

Plus, as highlighted in the video below, Bacot showed more versatility in his pro repertoire by turning his defensive rebound into an assisted splash via his refined handles and instinctive decision-making in tempo-pushing mode:

9-0 run to start the game pic.twitter.com/ypnn7b1Jhq

— Memphis Hustle (@MemphisHustle) 10 November 2024

For now, not counting former outgoing UNC basketball transfer Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, there are only six Tar Heels in the NBA: Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, Nets center Day’ Ron Sharpe, Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony, San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes and Spurs forward Harrison Ingram.

READ ALSO: Former Tar Heel Standout Cam Johnson Warming Up for Nets

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