Similar to his announced return to UNC men’s basketball last offseason, Armando Bacot’s decision to stay with the Carolina program led to plenty of social media buzz.
Bacot shared in an interview with Stadium on Wednesday that he will exhaust his college eligibility in 2023-24, having been granted an fifth season due to the COVID-19 pandemic happening at the end of his freshman season.
BREAKING: North Carolina big man Armando Bacot is returning to Chapel Hill for another season, he tells @Stadium.
“I’m using my last year of eligibility.” Bacot said. “I felt it was the right decision for my future.”
Bacot averaged 15.9 points and 10.4 boards.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 22, 2023
Bacot joked about the decision himself, sharing a picture of former Kansas player Perry Ellis — who was often the punchline of jokes about college basketball players who felt like they’d played for longer than possible.
https://t.co/vvAHsPjgpV pic.twitter.com/jt0Z1Ga7qq
— Armando Bacot Jr. (@iget_buckets35) March 22, 2023
On the court, the fifth-year of eligibility provides Bacot a chance to further make history. After becoming the school’s all-time rebounds and double-doubles leader this past January, some media members shared what other records he could aim for.
Bacot is currently No. 13 all-time in modern era rebounds, with 1,335.
Needs 338 to pass Kenneth Faried, who is currently No. 1. Along the way, Bacot would also pass Tim Duncan. https://t.co/fYehMOkGDW
— Brendan Marks (@BrendanRMarks) March 22, 2023
— chris (@dadgumboxscores) March 22, 2023
Most Double-Doubles – Last 2 Seasons
Armando Bacot (50)
Oscar Tshiebwe (48)
Zach Edey (38)Bacot has probably been the best player in the ACC over the last 2 seasons, does well in NIL and loves North Carolina. https://t.co/5spTJSqZMc
— Bryan Ives (@awaytoworthy) March 22, 2023
Some Twitter users pointed to Bacot’s success with name, image and likeness deals while at Carolina as a reason for his return.
The people who complain about NIL ruining college sports are mostly the same as the “players don’t stick around like they used to” folks.
Bacot loves UNC, wants to leave it in a better place than if he left it now and get paid what he’s worth to do it. Win-win-win. https://t.co/fSWjD9fAeA
— Luke DeCock (@LukeDeCock) March 22, 2023
Great decision btw.
Bacot might end up making more with NIL than he would with his rookie contract. https://t.co/DIXYRax1hf
— Mat Mlodzinski (@MatMlodzinski) March 22, 2023
Armando Bacot after seeing the NIL deal drawn up for him for this upcoming season pic.twitter.com/72wkkBOSS5
— neil (parody) (@young_pierre24) March 22, 2023
Meanwhile, other social media users and Tar Heels fans shared celebrations and other jokes about the star center’s decision.
One last go-around for the director of recruiting 🙂 and you love to see it. Let's go Armando! @UNC_Basketball
— Countesses of UNC (@CountessesofUNC) March 22, 2023
Armando Bacot coming back to North Carolina every year: pic.twitter.com/BfiV5t2TwT
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) March 22, 2023
Armando Bacot: https://t.co/7LALc7I2Mu pic.twitter.com/P7tlr5EQyT
— Mark Titus Show (@MarkTitusShow) March 22, 2023
what if bacot doesn't age and is just going to stay in college forever? https://t.co/o9H64bkb7x pic.twitter.com/fyqFlL4CKx
— WT – *sigh* (@WildcatsTongue) March 22, 2023
Armando Bacot playing college basketball next year. https://t.co/VmkckRcQFP pic.twitter.com/BhT7xI7KBc
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) March 22, 2023
If he don’t leave Chapel Hill as Dr. Bacot, maaaaan https://t.co/pQ7irZqSAA
— Aaron Burgin (@FullTimeHoops1) March 22, 2023
Current mood. Let’s reload, y’all. pic.twitter.com/NInr2uLYP3
— Daggum Hubert (@DaggumHube) March 22, 2023
Photo via Todd Melet.
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