This November, Carolina basketball fans will have to get used to something they haven’t dealt with for a long time: a team without Armando Bacot. The five-year super senior has finally spent his last bit of eligibility with UNC and will head to pastures new.
Bacot’s career in Chapel Hill was as unique as it was consequential. He’s seen Roy Williams retire. He’s seen Carolina retire Coach K. He’s missed the NCAA Tournament, and he’s been a #1 seed. He was in college when the transfer portal became a serious tool for roster construction (and deconstruction). He was also one of the best college athletes to capitalize on NIL.