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UNC Basketball Treasure Racking Up Votes for G League Showcase

Former UNC basketball big man Armando Bacot is well on his way to earning a trip to NBA All-Star weekend.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball center Armando Bacot
UNC basketball center Armando Bacot / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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The NBA G League Up Next Game is part of All-Star weekend on Sunday, Feb. 16, in San Francisco. And in Armando Bacot's first year as a pro, the UNC basketball great will likely be among the invites.

ALSO READ: Elliot Cadeau Boosts UNC Chances in Five-Star Recruitment

As of Friday afternoon, Bacot stacks up at No. 10 overall among vote-getters for the showcase event, which will feature 28 players. Fan votes determine 10 spots, and the NBA G League will select the other 18 participants based on merit.

Fans can vote for Armando Bacot on the NBA G League app or through the official site. Voting ends next Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Following Bacot's five-year UNC basketball career, in which he became the program's all-time leading rebounder and double-double machine, the 24-year-old Richmond native went undrafted. So, despite joining the Utah Jazz for NBA Summer League action, he agreed to a G League deal with the Memphis Hustle after participating in preseason action with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Through 22 appearances with the Hustle, Bacot is averaging 14.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks. He's shooting 42.6 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from three, and 69.1 percent at the charity stripe.

Given the 6-foot-11, 240-pound center's impressive production as a rookie, perhaps it won't be long until Armando Bacot receives a 10-day contract with the Grizzlies and records his first NBA regular season outing.

ALSO READ: Tar Heel Star Ian Jackson Now Ascending NBA Mock Drafts

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more updates on former UNC basketball players and other Tar Heel 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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