Will the UNC basketball standout be ready to go for the team’s National Championship battle with Kansas on Monday night?
Those around the UNC basketball program held their breath as junior standout Armando Bacot suffered an ankle injury in Saturday night’s national semifinal game against Duke.
North Carolina star Armando Bacot exits the game with an injury. He has 19 rebounds. #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/TVo1OtDLyS
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 3, 2022
As he made an effort to block a shot from Paolo Banchero, Bacot landed on teammate Leaky Black’s foot on the way down. He was in obvious pain, as he was forced to leave the game for a short period of time.
Fortunately, Bacot was able to return to the game, as he played a few more minutes prior to fouling out. With the Tar Heels defeating the Blue Devils in the Final Four, the big question remains:
Will Bacot be available for Monday night’s National Championship game?
Based on what Hubert Davis had to say on Sunday afternoon, all signs point to the junior standout being ready to go for the big game.
Hubert Davis on Armando Bacot’s ankle:
— Isaac Schade (@isaacschade) April 3, 2022
• X-rays we’re negative
• team doctors pleased with where swelling is at
Davis told reporters that Bacot underwent X-rays, which came back negative. Although the first-year head coach also noted that Bacot was sore, he did add that the team doctors were very pleased with where the swelling is currently at.
Bacot has been walking around, and Davis confidently told reporters that his junior big man will be ready to play on Monday night.
Tar Heels fans, you can breathe a sigh of relief!
Of course, the injury very well could have an impact on how he plays (and how much he plays). However, given that he was able to return to the national semifinal contest, most people expected Bacot to battle through to be there for his team, even if he isn’t fully healthy.
Bacot’s ankle will be a storyline to follow, but you best believe No. 5 will be on the court and doing anything he possibly can to help the UNC basketball program bring home another national title.
“My status right now is that I’m playing. There’s no way I’m not playing in the national championship game. My right leg would have to be cut off for me not to play.”
— Isaac Schade (@isaacschade) April 3, 2022
- Armando Bacot (@iget_buckets35)
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