Armando Bacot’s Next Chapter: From Chapel Hill to the Global Stage
For five unforgettable years, Armando Bacot was the heart and soul of North Carolina basketball. He wasn’t just another Tar Heel big man — he became a household name, the face of the program, and a leader who anchored UNC’s memorable run to the 2022 Final Four and national championship game. Now, after carving out his place in the history books of Chapel Hill, Bacot is writing the next chapter of his basketball journey — and it’s taking him overseas.
After spending last season in the NBA G League, Bacot has officially signed a one-year deal with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe, one of the top clubs in Europe. The contract, reportedly worth over $1 million, marks a major move for the veteran center as he looks to expand his career on the international stage.
Life After Chapel Hill
Following his decorated UNC career, Bacot went undrafted but wasted no time proving he belonged at the professional level. Suiting up for the Memphis Hustle, the G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, Bacot turned heads with his consistency. In 2024, he averaged 18.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, showcasing the same rebounding dominance and inside presence that made him a force in college basketball.
There was talk that Bacot might stick around in the G League and continue his push for a full NBA contract. But instead, he’s chosen to take his talents abroad, joining one of the most prestigious clubs in European basketball. Fenerbahçe isn’t just another overseas stop — it’s a team with a rich history of winning championships and producing NBA-caliber talent. For Bacot, it’s a chance to prove himself on an even bigger international stage.
A Tar Heel Legacy
Bacot’s time in Chapel Hill is already legendary. Across five seasons, he averaged 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while also becoming the program’s all-time leading rebounder. His toughness, leadership, and loyalty to UNC defined an era of Tar Heel basketball, and his impact will be remembered long after his departure.
Tar Heel fans will never forget his gritty performances in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, when he battled through injuries to help carry North Carolina to the brink of a national championship. Those moments cemented him as one of the most beloved players in recent program history.
Eyes Still on the NBA
While Bacot is heading overseas, his NBA dream isn’t finished. Many players have used international stints as a springboard back into the league, and scouts are expected to keep close tabs on him during his time in Turkey. If he thrives with Fenerbahçe — and given his skill set, there’s every reason to believe he will — Bacot could easily find himself back in the NBA conversation sooner rather than later.
For now, though, his focus shifts to Europe, where he’ll be competing against some of the best talent outside the NBA, in one of the most competitive basketball environments in the world.
A New Adventure
For Bacot, this next step is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a chance to showcase his game in a new setting, expand his professional horizons, and continue proving that his journey is far from over. From Chapel Hill to Memphis to Istanbul, the big man has always found a way to rise to the occasion.
Tar Heel Nation will surely be watching closely, cheering him on from afar, and waiting to see just how far this next chapter of his career can take him.
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