With Armando Bacot deciding to return for a fifth and final season, he will be one of just two starters to return. Bacot will be the Tar Heels’ leader as they look to rebound from a disappointing year.
It’s expected that Bacot will earn some recognition prior to the season and on Tuesday, 247Sports released its way-too-early All-ACC team projections that are headlined by Bacot and Duke’s Kyle Filipowski.
Bacot was listed as the center on the team, earning the recognition with months left until the start of the year. Here is what 247Sports wrote on Bacot’s selection including a projection:
2023-24 projection, per Bart Torvik: 17 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists
The scout: North Carolina’s double-double machine is back for a fifth season of college basketball. UNC underwhelmed mightily last season, but it certainly was not on Bacot. He’s one of the best rebounders in the sport, and his back-to-the-basket game has improved every single year. North Carolina made a huge emphasis in the transfer portal to find shooting, and Bacot should be a huge benefactor. The All-American center has turned into an absolute load on both ends.
Even with UNC having a down year last season, Bacot was a monster as he averaged a double-double with 15.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 55 percent from the field.
He should have another big year for the Tar Heels as they hope to get back to the NCAA Tournament.
Bacot’s teammate, R.J. Davis was listed as a player that just missed the cut.
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