UNC Basketball Pro Armando Bacot Heading to All-Star Weekend

The former five-year UNC basketball starter will be in San Francisco in a few weeks to participate in the NBA G League Up Next Game.
Former UNC basketball center Armando Bacot
Former UNC basketball center Armando Bacot / Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

UNC basketball alum Armando Bacot finished ninth in fan voting en route to landing a spot in the NBA G League Up Next Game on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 3:30 p.m. ET, part of NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. The 24-year-old big man is one of 28 players who received invites to the showcase event, along with Memphis Hustle teammates Yuki Kawamura, DJ Steward, and Maozinha Pereira.

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Through 26 games in his first season as a pro, Bacot is averaging 14.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks across his 31.7 minutes per outing. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Virginia native is shooting 42.4 percent from the field, including a relatively encouraging 31.4 percent beyond the arc, and 72.1 percent at the charity stripe.

Following a five-year college career in Chapel Hill, in which Armando Bacot became the UNC basketball program's all-time leading rebounder and double-double machine, he did not hear his name at the 2024 NBA Draft.

Now, though, in light of his prowess as an NBA G League rookie, it may be only a matter of time before he lands an opportunity on the game's biggest stage.

ALSO READ: Injury Sidelines Tar Heel Forward, Not Ruled Out for Duke Game

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI 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.