All Tar Heels

Why UNC Basketball Big Man Is 'Desperate' to Win ACC Tournament

UNC basketball looks to capture its first ACC Tournament trophy since 2016.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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The UNC basketball program hadn't won an ACC regular-season title since the season before Armando Bacot arrived in Chapel Hill. However, the fifth-year center and the 2023-24 Tar Heels checked off that box, earning the distinction outright by knocking off archrival Duke in Durham on Saturday night.

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Now, Bacot and the Tar Heels are in Washington, D.C., looking to cut down the nets in Capital One Arena this Saturday night by extending their overall winning streak to nine.

On Wednesday, before the No. 1 seed Tar Heels found out their first opponent — at noon ET Thursday, they'll face No. 9 seed Florida State, fresh off its 86-76 victory over No. 8 seed Virginia Tech — Bacot explained to the media what it would mean to sweep this season's conference-champion crowns:

"I mean, we're desperate to win this tournament. It's something that nobody here [on the UNC roster] has won. We want to win it bad because it's a lot of things.

"First, we want to be able to hang another banner for the team. But also, it affects our seeding in March. And obviously, the [NCAA Tournament] isn't easy. So, if we can make it as easy on us as possible in terms of getting a high seed and the things like that, that's what we want to do."

Bacot, an All-ACC Second Team and All-Defensive Team selection this go-round, added that the emotions from beating the Blue Devils have already disappeared from the rearview:

"We just really celebrated that night, and then we all got over it...Really, since that game, we've all been locked in on what's next. And we've honestly forgot all about it."

Final Bracket Prediction Puts UNC in Caleb Love's Region

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