Max Friedl Sports Blog

NCAA Eligibility talk, Armando Bacot Edition

Armando Bacot’s lengthy six-year tenure in NCAA basketball speaks to his commitment to the sport. His choice to extend his college career beyond the norm was influenced by various factors, including injury recovery and a desire for skill refinement and leadership development. On top of that, Bacot was widely known across the country for his basketball appearances and much more. Featuring in many sports journals such as SLAM and Sports Illustrated and even appeared in the NY Times and The Washington Post. On top of that, Bacot is featured in advertisements separate from the sport, Such as TurboTax (TurboTax is a software platform that simplifies the process of filing taxes for individuals and businesses.)

Writer Mike DeCourcy for SportingNews titled an article “North Carolina’s Armando Bacot understands the business of basketball, and basketball comes first.” The article mentioned some of the NCAA’s NIL rule benefits for Bacot. However, Bacot’s decision to stay in college for six years was facilitated by the NCAA’s provision for athletes facing significant injuries to potentially extend their eligibility through a medical redshirt year. This allowed Bacot to ensure he was physically prepared while dedicating extra time to improving his game.

Throughout his time in college, Bacot showed notable progress, evolving into a critical player for his team. His contributions in the paint and his improvements in rebounding and scoring were evident each year. Off the court, Bacot took on the role of a veteran leader, offering guidance to younger teammates and earning appreciation from fans and peers alike.

Academically, Bacot’s prolonged stay allowed him to deepen his studies, preparing for his post-basketball future. Additionally, he engaged in community service and university activities, enhancing his overall college experience.

By the end of his sixth year, Bacot had made an impact statistically and through his commitment to his team and community. His unconventional college basketball journey highlights the different paths athletes can pursue in their sports careers, emphasizing resilience and a long-term outlook.

Here are some sources I referenced to write this piece:
SportingNews Article by Mike DeCourcy
Armando Bacot – UNC Tarheels
Why did Armando Bacot return to UNC?