UNC Basketball: Armando Bacot tabbed as top 5 returning big man

On3sports views the UNC basketball standout as a top 5 big man heading into the 2021-22 college basketball season.

Expectations are high for Armando Bacot as he prepares for his junior season with the UNC basketball program.

In a recent article from On3sports, Bacot was tabbed as one of the top 5 returning big men in all of college basketball. The Richmond, Virginia native was mentioned alongside Drew Timme (Gonzaga), David McCormack (Kansas), Kofi Cockburn (Illinois) and Trevion Williams (Purdue) on the list.

Now, you may say that there is some Tar Heel bias here, as Bacot’s former teammate KJ Smith was the writer who released these rankings. However, Smith has been around Bacot for the past two years, so it’s safe to say that the former Tar Heel knows what he is capable of.

Here’s what Smith had to say in the article regarding Bacot’s return for his junior season:

"“Armando Bacot is a 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward/center out of North Carolina. Last year, Bacot Averaged 12.8 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Tar Heels. These stats will increase significantly with the loss of three big men. Dayron Sharpe went in the NBA draft and Walker Kessler and Garrison Brooks both transferred. A lot will be put on the shoulders of Bacot from new head coach Hubert Davis. It will be vital that he rises to the new responsibility.”"

We know how crowded North Carolina’s front court was during the 2020-21 campaign. In his final season at the helm, Roy Williams had plenty of front court depth to work with, but it was Bacot who was arguably the most consistent and effective among the talented group of bigs.

Coming off a season in which he averaged 12.8 points and just under eight rebounds per game, there is a very good chance that those numbers see a drastic increase this season. With the bulk of last year’s depth gone, Bacot will have plenty of opportunities to shine as the team’s main big man.

It’s also important to note that this year’s team is expected to space the floor better, which will only help Bacot. Over the last two seasons, it was common that the post became crowded due to the Tar Heels’ front court talent. With the addition of some good shooters and floor spacers, there should be additional room for Bacot to work with near the basket.

The opportunity is there for Bacot to take a huge leap forward both as a basketball player and as a leader for the UNC basketball program. It’s safe to say that his success in both aspects will be a major component as to how the Tar Heels’ season plays out.

Bacot is more than deserving of recognition such as this. He has the chance to prove that he’s not only one of the best big men in the country, but also one of the best players in college basketball.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Armando Bacot and the UNC basketball program.