Former North Carolina Tar Heels (UNC) forward Armando Bacot has found a new team to play following his non-selection in the past two NBA Drafts. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, Fenerbahçe S.K.’s social media team announced on Instagram that they have signed Bacot to a one-year deal to play in the upcoming 2025 EuroLeague season. They are one of the powerhouse teams in the competition.
The news would delight Bacot’s fans and the UNC faithful, especially since he is one of the most outstanding products that came from coach Hubert Davis‘ Tar Heels program. After his stellar five-year college hoops career with the Tar Heels, Bacot went undrafted in last year’s NBA Draft. He played for the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G-League before finding his new squad recently.
“Armando Bacot Fenerbahçe Beko’da! ✍️💛💙 Our Fenerbahce Beko Men’s Basketball Team signed a one-year deal with United American pivot Armando Bacot (2000, 2.08, C). We wish this deal to be the best for our Club and Armando Bacot, we wish our player to have a season full of victories under the yellow-navy uniform,” @fbbasketbol captioned with emojis.
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In his final season (2023-24) with the Tar Heels under the tutelage of coach Davis, Bacot helped the team finish with an overall record of 29-8 (17-3 ACC), as they reached the Sweet 16 of the national tournament. They were eliminated from postseason play by the Alabama Crimson Tide through a tight two-point loss, 89-87.
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Hubert Davis Once Called Armando Bacot One of The Greatest UNC Tar Heels of All Time
On Jan. 21, 2023, during an 80-69 conference win against the NC State Wolfpack, Armando Bacot made history.
He recorded 23 points, 18 rebounds, one assist, and a steal in 33 minutes of action, which saw him surpass North Carolina Tar Heels legends Tyler Hansbrough and Billy Cunningham in double-doubles and total rebounds, respectively. During the post-game presser, coach Hubert Davis hailed him among the program’s greats.
“For him to pass Tyler Hansbrough and Billy Cunningham in all-time double-doubles with points and rebounds? That’s just unbelievable. He’s a fantastic player, he’s one of the best players in Carolina history. I’m just really, really proud of him,” Davis said (1:38).
Bacot averaged 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks throughout his five-year tenure for the Tar Heels. Davis is set to enter his fourth season at the helm of the program’s coaching staff in the upcoming 2025-26 college basketball campaign.