College Hoops

Armando Bacot’s latest highlight a double-double in Sunday victory

Armando Bacot’s latest highlight a double-double in Sunday victory

Despite all the success he enjoyed over five seasons at UNC, Armando Bacot wasn’t chosen in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Bacot, who is North Carolina’s all-time leader in rebounds (1,715) and double-doubles (87), instead joined the Utah Jazz for NBA Summer League action.

Bacot later signed a non-guaranteed, Exhibit 10 contract with the Memphis Grizzles and, after being released, joined the Memphis Hustle (NBA G-League affiliate).

Bacot showed, on Sunday afternoon, why NBA teams should regret drafting him.

During the Hustle’s 138-116 road victory over the Delaware Blue Coats (Philadelphia 76ers’ G-League affiliate), Bacot recorded another double-double, this time with 19 points and 11 rebounds. His day included an efficient 6-of-12 mark from the field, 2-of-4 from 3-point land and 3-of-4 from the free throw line.

Bacot also showcased his defensive skills during the big win, registering a team-high four steals and blocking one shot.

Now through 16 games with the Hustle, Bacot is averaging 13.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He is also shooting an efficient, 43.3 percent from deep.

These numbers are certainly worthy of a call-up, but the Grizzles are extremely deep in the post: Jaren Jackson, Santa Aldama and Zach Edey all average double-digits.

https://twitter.com/JayHardy252/status/1878651663034335459

Looking at Bacot’s statline, there’s one number that likely jumps out at you: made 3-pointers. Bacot enjoyed just five perimeter makes during his 5-year Tar Heel career – and nearly halved that on Sunday.

As of Monday, January 13, the Grizzlies are currently the Western Conference’s third seed. There’s still nearly three months of regular season basketball to be played, but if wins keep coming to Beale Street, Bacot could be playing postseason basketball in the NBA.

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