All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Recruiting: Armando Bacot's Brother Now Generating Buzz

Chances are King Bacot pops up on the UNC basketball recruiting radar in a few years, if not sooner.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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King Bacot, younger brother of fifth-year UNC basketball big man Armando Bacot, is only a seventh-grader. Rankings for his 2029 class won't arrive for quite some time.

Nevertheless, the 6-foot-2 guard is suddenly drawing high praise from those who have checked out his budding skills. Some have even opined he's the frontrunner to become the premier prospect among his peers.

And of course, judging by his social media, he's now a deep-rooted Tar Heel fan.

Over the weekend, King Bacot shined for Team Loaded 2029 at the Phenom Winter Nationals in Bermuda Run, N.C.

Check out this snippet from the glowing assessment that Phenom Hoop Report's Jeff Bendel, who has tracked the talent's on-court development since he was a clear-cut standout among fourth-graders, provided after watching him again:

"Every few years, you'll come across a middle-school prospect who already has the world in their hands. The talent, status, and everything that comes with being regarded as an elite at an early age. Think of guys like Mikey Williams, Bronny James, and Aden Holloway, for example. Well, that's become somewhat of the norm for King Bacot over the years...

"Bacot truly makes the game look effortless. He's able to shred opposing defense without even breaking a bead of sweat. The IQ, passing instincts, and scoring ability are all at an extremely [high] level for a player at his age. Bacot sees the game multiple steps ahead of his peers.

"Bacot can truly score from anywhere on the floor. Whether open or highly contested, every attempt he takes looks like it's going in. He's a crafty ball-handler, brilliant playmaker, and polished scoring option who displays poise and a calm demeanor at all times."

Granted, UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his staff haven't even begun handing out offers on the 2026 trail, much less 2029. That said, King Bacot looks like one to keep an eye on in years to come.

UNC Big Man Armando Bacot Gets Back to Outworking Foes

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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