UNC Basketball: 247Sports’ analysis of 5-star center Armando Bacot

The latest on five-star UNC target Armando Bacot

Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tar Heels are in the midst of a number of heated recruiting battles, many of which involve elite post players. Among them is five-star prospect Armando Bacot, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound center out of Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, Virginia.

Williams began recruiting Bacot some time ago, and officially offered him a scholarship last August. He prioritized the talented big man from very early on, tabbing him as a potential centerpiece to the Tar Heels’ 2019 recruiting class. And it’s not all that difficult to see why.

Bacot has size that simply cannot be taught. He’s got the skill and athleticism to match it, and the type of motor that Williams loves to see from his front court players. He’s got a knack for finishing around the rim, and he’s a terrific rebounder. He’s also a guy who could come in and make a big impact from day one of his freshman season.

And according to the overwhelming consensus surrounding Bacot’s recruitment, he’s the Tar Heels’ best shot at snagging an elite big man in the class.

247Sports’ Director of Scouting, Jerry Meyer, recently spent time watching Bacot play in Las Vegas during the final July evaluation period.

"“The game of Team Takeover post player Armando Bacot continues to grow on me. I love the alertness, steady hands and quick feet of Bacot. He also plays with a strength and composure that is rarely seen in a high school big man.A team can play through Bacot in the low post or high post. He has a polished back to the basket game as a scorer and a passer while also being comfortable facing up. And when it comes to scoring around the basket, Bacot has that ability to play through contact but yet finish with touch.In regards to his recruitment, Bacot just recently announced that he is down to Duke, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma State and VCU. The Crystal Ball, however, currently views North Carolina as the heady favorite. The Tar Heals hold all 13 predictions in Bacot’s Crystal Ball.”"

Getting a commitment from Bacot would be huge for Williams and the Tar Heels, particularly if they are unable to reel in any of the other bigs that they currently have offers out to. They’ll also need contingencies in place for the imminent departure of seniors Luke Maye and Cameron Johnson, two of the taller players on the current UNC roster.

Things are looking good for the Tar Heels right now. As Meyer mentioned, North Carolina currently has 100% of the votes in the 247Sports Crystal Ball.

Bacot is the No. 26 prospect in the class of 2019 according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s the seventh-ranked center in the class, and the No. 4 player in the state of Florida.

Keeping It Heel will continue to closely follow Bacot’s recruitment throughout, giving you complete and comprehensive updates when they become available.