UNC big man Armando Bacot planning to run it back with Tar Heels … again

Tribune Content Agency

Armando Bacot will take advantage of a fifth year of eligibility and return to North Carolina next season, he told the media outlet Stadium on Wednesday.

Bacot completed his fourth season and became the Tar Heels’ all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles. However, the NCAA granted a waiver for participants of the 2020-21 season that was ravaged by COVID-19 to receive an additional year if they chose.

“I’m using my last year of eligibility,” Bacot told Stadium. “I felt it was the right decision for my future.”

Bacot led the team in rebounding averaging 10.4 per game and finished the season third in scoring at 15.9 points per game. He was also named third team Associated Press All-American.

His return counters the news of four Tar Heels who have entered the transfer portal since the season ended with an ACC tournament loss to Virginia. Puff Johnson became the latest to reveal he was leaving Chapel Hill on Wednesday, joining Tyler Nickel, Dontrez Styles and Justin McKoy.