When former Tar Heel Armando Bacot finished up his time in the NBA Summer League, the Utah Jazz decided not to sign him.
Thankfully, the Memphis Grizzlies took a chance on UNC’s all-time rebounds and double-doubles leader, signing him to an Exhibit 10 contract.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15 with North Carolina in Memphis for a preseason exhibition game, you know Bacot had to catch up with his former teammates.
Bacot spent time at the Tar Heels’ morning shootaround, then sat courtside and tried his hand at announcing during the national broadcast on ESPNU.
UNC played exceptional basketball in its 84-76 victory over the Memphis Tigers, holding a double-digit lead for most of it. North Carolina junior guard Seth Trimble stole the show, scoring a game-high 33 points in the absence or RJ Davis, while Jalen Washington turned a few heads with his 17-point outing. You can’t forget about projected starting guard Elliot Cadeau, who scored 11 points and dished out 13 assists.
Look who showed up to shootaround đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/lu7nUMoT6Y
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) October 15, 2024
The Tar Heels won’t have Bacot’s post production this coming season, so they’ve been trying to find someone to at least show they’re ready to step into Bacot’s shoes. Washington showed he’s capable, plus Washington has something in his bag Bacot didn’t – the ability to shoot 3-pointers.
UNC also has freshman center James Brown, Vanderbilt transfer Ven-Allen Lubin and Georgia Tech transfer Tyzhaun Claude to fill Bacot’s shoes. Lubin likely will be the starter, as he showcased a couple electric plays in the exhibition win, but Washington can also push for starting minutes.
I can’t think of a recent player who loves North Carolina more than Bacot. It was great to seem him supporting the Tar Heels last night – and I hope it’s not the last we see of him in 2024.
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