Why did Armando Bacot return to UNC?

Armando Bacot is an American college basketball player for the North Carolina Tar Heels of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Armando Linwood Bacot Jr was born on March 6, 2000, in Richmond, Virginia, the United States to parents Christie Lomax and Armando Bacot Sr. He was raised alongside his siblings Azhane Bacot.

Armando Bacot attended Trinity Episcopal School located in Richmond, Virginia for three years before transferring to the preparatory boarding school and sports training ground, IMG Academy located in Bradenton, Florida for his senior year.

Armando Bacot had been ranked as a five-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals. He later committed to playing college basketball for North Carolina. As a sophomore, he has been named to the Third Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Armando declared for the 2021 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility on April 6, 2021.

Armando Bacot has also played for the United States under-18 basketball team at the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship. Despite earlier declaring for the 2021 NBA draft, Armando Bacot withdrew so as to return to Chapel Hill for his junior season.

Why did Armando Bacot return to UNC?

Armando Bacot has explained his decision in a video circulating on social media that he wants to experience another deep run in the NCAA tournament and bring UNC its seventh national championship.

In his own words,

“This year’s experience showed me that I do not want to miss the chance to do it again next season. On the court we got so close this year. I know there are no guarantees, but I want the opportunity to play in those big games, to keep Carolina on that national stage, and to have the chance to do what coach (Hubert) Davis has talked about since his first day on the job — put another banner in the Smith Center. My Carolina story isn’t finished just yet. Next season starts right now.”