Hubert Davis: ‘We’ve Got Armando Bacot Coming Back’ to UNC

As a guest on the College Hoops Today podcast with Jon Rothstein on Monday, new UNC head coach Hubert Davis said he thinks forward Armando Bacot is returning to the Tar Heels next season.

“We’ve got Armando Bacot coming back next year,” Davis told Rothstein. “He led our team in points and rebounds — he’s going to have an unbelievable, fantastic junior season.”

Bacot previously announced he intends to test the NBA Draft waters, but he didn’t sign with an agent so he has the option to return if he wishes.

The school said through a spokesperson that neither Bacot or the team have announced a final decision.

With UNC already losing Garrison Brooks, Walker Kessler, Day’Ron Sharpe, Sterling Manley and Walker Miller this offseason, Bacot would be the lone remaining forward on the team returning next year.

As a sophomore this past season, the former McDonald’s All-American led the Tar Heels in both scoring and rebounding with averages of 12.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Davis spoke at length on the podcast about how he wants UNC to look on the floor next season, with Bacot likely serving as the primary big man while transfers Brady Manek and Justin McKoy — both forwards — play in more of a perimeter-oriented role.

“We needed guys that can play alongside him that have more perimeter skills,” Davis said, of Bacot. ““I want to score around the basket. I want to attack the offensive glass. I want to get other big guys on the opposing team in foul trouble. But, in order to have that space to have that movement for guys like Caleb Love and R.J. Davis to be able to penetrate and make plays, you need guys to be able to stretch the floor — and Brady and Justin can 100 percent stretch the floor.”

Photo via ACC Media.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

‹

ACC Names UNC's Walker Kessler Co-Freshman of the Week

Just two days removed from coming off the bench to lead UNC to a 78-70 upset over No. 11 Florida State, forward Walker Kessler was selected Monday as the ACC Co-Freshman of the Week. He becomes the fifth Tar Heel to win the award this season, joining guards Caleb Love, R.J. Davis and Kerwin Walton–as […]

Caleb Love Named ACC Men's Basketball Freshman of the Week

Fresh off a scintillating performance in UNC’s 91-87 win at Duke on Saturday, Tar Heel point guard Caleb Love was selected Monday as the ACC Freshman of the Week. It’s the second time in the last three weeks that Love has won the award, joining teammates R.J. Davis and Day’Ron Sharpe as UNC players to […]

Day'Ron Sharpe Named ACC Men's Basketball Freshman of the Week

UNC forward Day’Ron Sharpe was named the ACC Men’s Basketball Freshman of the Week on Monday for his efforts in the Tar Heels’ last two games. Sharpe scored seven points and had seven rebounds in a loss to Georgia Tech last Wednesday, then poured in a career-high 25 points and nine rebounds on Saturday to […]

Cole Anthony Named ACC Men's Basketball Player and Freshman of the Week

After a stunning first two games to open his collegiate career, UNC freshman point guard Cole Anthony was recognized Monday as both the ACC Player and Freshman of the Week. With UNC opening the season against Notre Dame at home last Wednesday–the first time the team had opened the season in conference play since 1966–Anthony […]

Roy Williams Listed as a Presenter for Upcoming ESPY Awards

Former UNC head men’s basketball coach Roy Williams is listed as a scheduled presenter for this year’s ESPY Awards, which will take place on Saturday night. Williams retired following the conclusion of UNC’s season back in March after a wildly successful career in which he won 903 games during his time at both Kansas and […]

Four-Star Guard Seth Trimble Announces Commitment to UNC Men's Basketball

New UNC head men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis landed his second high school commitment for the Class of 2022 on Wednesday evening: four-star point guard Seth Trimble announced his intentions to join the Tar Heel program. Trimble — the younger brother of former UNC guard J.P. Tokoto — hails from Menomenee Falls, Wisconsin and is […]

Former UNC Forward Walker Miller Transferring to Monmouth

After previously announcing his intentions to transfer from the UNC program back in late March, graduate forward Walker Miller revealed Thursday that he will play out his final year of eligibility next season at Monmouth University. The 6-foot-11 forward — who is the younger brother of current Cincinnati head coach and former UNC player Wes […]

Former UNC Star Coby White Cuts Signature Hairstyle

Former UNC star point guard Coby White–a Goldsboro native now with the Chicago Bulls–revealed Tuesday night on Instagram that he has cut the signature floppy hairstyle that helped make him a fan favorite in Chapel Hill. The move comes after White wrapped up his second season in the NBA on Sunday night, scoring 19 points […]

Brandon Robinson to Join UNC Men's Basketball Staff as Graduate Assistant

A familiar face to Carolina basketball fans is set to return to the bench this fall, as a coach instead of a player. UNC head men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis told 97.9 The Hill’s Art Chansky in a recent interview that Brandon Robinson is returning to the program as a graduate assistant. “Brandon Robinson is […]

Hubert Davis: 'We’ve Got Armando Bacot Coming Back' to UNC

As a guest on the College Hoops Today podcast with Jon Rothstein on Monday, new UNC head coach Hubert Davis said he thinks forward Armando Bacot is returning to the Tar Heels next season. “We’ve got Armando Bacot coming back next year,” Davis told Rothstein. “He led our team in points and rebounds — he’s […]

›