Former UNC Basketball Star Armando Bacot Adds to First-Year Pro Splash
Former UNC basketball center Armando Bacot / Chris Day/The Commercial AppealAll-time UNC basketball rebounder and supreme double-double machine Armando Bacot went undrafted back in June following five seasons as the full-time starting center in Chapel Hill. Now, the 6-foot-11, 240-pound Virginian still hasn’t played in an NBA regular season game.
But there’s no doubt he’s excelling in the G League. And folks are taking notice.
Starring for the Memphis Hustle, the affiliate of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, Bacot became a first-time G League Player of the Week for his top-shelf production in helping to fuel the Hustle’s 2-1 clip.
Bacot, recently an NBA G League Up Next Game honoree, averaged 25.7 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across those outings last week.
Moreover, the 24-year-old starter did so efficiently while exhibiting his season-long strides in the 3-point department, shooting 55.6 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from downtown.
The impressive efforts included Bacot’s 34 points and franchise-record 25 boards versus the Santa Cruz Warriors last Thursday. He recorded nothing shy of a 20-10 double-double in the week’s other two contests.
Armando Bacot, a former standout at the University of North Carolina (UNC), has transitioned smoothly into his professional basketball career with the Memphis Hustle, the NBA G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies. Bacot’s journey from a collegiate star to a promising professional has been marked by impressive performances that underscore his potential at the next level.
College Career Highlights
During his five-year tenure at UNC, Bacot established himself as one of the program’s all-time greats. He holds the record for the most career rebounds and double-doubles in Tar Heel history. In his senior season (2023–2024), Bacot averaged 14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 54% from the field and 40% from three-point range. His performance earned him second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors.
Transition to Professional Basketball
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bacot signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in September 2024 but was waived shortly after. Undeterred, he joined the Memphis Hustle in the G League, where he has continued to showcase his skills.
Notable Professional Performances
Bacot’s professional debut was nothing short of remarkable. In his first G League game, he posted a stat line of 17 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a 103-97 loss to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Notably, Bacot attempted nine three-pointers in this game, successfully converting three, highlighting his expanded offensive game.
Season Averages and Impact
Throughout the 2024-2025 G League season, Bacot has been a consistent force for the Hustle. He has averaged 17.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game over 23 appearances. His shooting efficiency stands at 47.5% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range, with an impressive free-throw percentage of 81.8%.
Looking Ahead
Bacot’s seamless transition from college to professional basketball, marked by his consistent performances and adaptability, positions him as a player to watch in the coming years. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, combined with his rebounding prowess and versatility, makes him a valuable asset for the Memphis Hustle and a potential candidate for future NBA opportunities.
