UNC Basketball star named finalist for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award

On Friday, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announce the five finalists for the 2024 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top center.

To no surprise, UNC basketball big man Armando Bacot has earned a spot on the list of finalists.

In his final season with the UNC basketball program, Bacot has continued to be a force in the paint, The fifth-year senior's numbers are slightly down from a season ago, but he still is averaging a double-double on the season.

Bacot is one of two ACC players to make the cut, as PJ Hall of Clemson joined Bacot on the list. Ryan Kalkbrenner of Creighton, Hunter Dickinson of Kansas and Zach Edey of Purdue are the other finalists for this year's award.

Although there are plenty of people out there that will find things to pick at in regard to Armando Bacot's on-court performance, it's no secret just how valuable he is to the UNC basketball program as a whole. Not only has he been a consistent scoring presence and tremendous rebounder, but has also taken his defense to a whole new level, as he's anchored a Tar Heels defensive attack that has been one of the conference's best.

Two UNC basketball players were named finalists for notable awards this week, as RJ Davis was tabbed as a finalist for the Jerry West Award. Based on what they've accomplished this season, this is only the start of the recognition that these two UNC basketball stars will earn once this season officially comes to a close.

Bacot and the UNC basketball program close out the 2023-2024 regular season with a rivalry matchup against Duke on Saturday night. A win would secure the Tar Heels sole possession of the ACC regular season title.