Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Garrison Brooks above Armando Bacot, Andy Katz says

By Blake Cockrum

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 20: Garrison Brooks #15 talks with Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of their game against the Elon Phoenix at the Dean Smith Center on November 20, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 20: Garrison Brooks #15 talks with Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of their game against the Elon Phoenix at the Dean Smith Center on November 20, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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A former UNC basketball star is ranked above a current one in Andy Katz’ list of the top returning players for the 2021-22 season.

The 2021-22 college basketball season is quickly approaching, and NCAA.com insider and analyst Andy Katz has released his list of the nation’s top 25 returning players.

The list is, unsurprisingly, headlined by UCLA’s Johnny Juzang, Gonzaga’s Drew Timme and Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn — and deservedly so. That trio, along with Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson, Indiana’s Tracye Jackson-Davis and Texas’ Marcus Carr — who rank fourth through sixth, respectively — have all rightfully earned their positions on the list.

One of the most interesting things about Katz’ list is how he’s positioned a former North Carolina basketball standout, and a current one. The former is Garrison Brooks, and the latter is Armando Bacot. Brooks, a four-year starter for the Tar Heels, is No. 15 on the list, while Bacot is eight spots back at No. 23.

A year or so ago, I’d have been more inclined to agree with those rankings, but I’m not completely sure today. Brooks is coming off of a down season, one that he began as ACC preseason Player of the Year before a major drop in production that saw him average fewer points, rebounds and assists than he did as a junior.

On the other hand, that didn’t all fall on Brooks’ shoulders. The Tar Heels were a bit of a mess last season, and even though they had a ton of individual talent, many of the pieces simply didn’t fit together. That, along with the offensive scheme, lack of shooters and overcrowded post area, didn’t bode well for Brooks. Still, it’s Bacot, the rising center from Richmond, Virginia, that made a substantial leap from his freshman to sophomore season, that has me thinking Katz may be rating him a bit too low.

After a fine but not outstanding rookie campaign, Bacot returned to North Carolina to average team-highs in points (12.3), rebounds (7.8), blocks (0.9) and shooting percentage (62.8). And given the positive changes that the Tar Heels’ roster has seen throughout the offseason, there’s no reason to think that Bacot’s ascent won’t continue. With more shooters, versatile big men and a cleared out painted area, look for Bacot to make his presence felt not only in Chapel Hill, but in the ACC as a whole.

Make no mistake, the entire Keeping It Heel team is rooting for Brooks to have an outstanding fifth year of college hoops en route to the 2022 NBA Draft. But Andy Katz and company may be sleeping on Armando Bacot, and everything that he brings to the Tar Heels this season.

Next. Tar Heels add to 2022 class with four-star wing. dark

Check back with us for all the latest on Armando Bacot, Garrison Brooks and the UNC basketball program throughout the 2021-22 college hoops season.

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