A major reason for the success of North Carolina basketball through the 2023-24 season could be credited to Armando Bacot Jr. He has been on top of his game throughout his five years with UNC. Bacot, a 6-foot-11, 240-pound player for the Tar Heels, has had multiple chances to declare for the NBA draft following each of the last two seasons. His biggest opportunity came following a run to the 2022 national championship game for UNC. With a change of heart both times, he decided to return for another season. The reason he decided to continue was because he never wanted the loss to be his final memory as a Tar Heel.

It’s not easy to announce yourself for the NBA draft and take it back multiple times without facing wrath from fans.  Through these tough times, his parents have been his pillar of strength. But who are they?

Armando Bacot Jr.’s support system

Armando Bacot was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. He attended Trinity Episcopal School for three years. For his senior year, he was transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. His mother Christie Lomax is currently a realtor at Virginia Capital Real Estate since 2014.  She has managed to successfully create her legacy while actively helping her son in creating his own.

His father Bacot Sr. will attend all of his son’s games and be the first one to cheer. His passion has been admired by a lot of UNC supporters. Bacot Sr is currently married to Joya and recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. During the anniversary both Joya and Lomax were seen together. Even all their children support each other and are on good terms.

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While speaking to Tar Heel Illustrated, Armando Bacot Sr. was seen as full of confidence when asked about his son’s abilities. “Wow, from birth I always believed and knew what it would be years ago. I always pushed him hard and he always responded when he was really young. He wanted to work and get better. I am his biggest fan.“

When asked about the achievements and gold medal that he won representing the US in the U18 FIBA Championship, Bacot Sr. replied “I can’t explain. Words won’t allow me to. But to get with your son and he and I would set goals for every year and watch him go work for it and accomplish them is one of the best feelings in the world. Let’s not forget he gave me his gold medal for Father’s Day. And for him to commit to a school like UNC is truly a blessing for God.”

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Future Challenges for Armando Bacot Jr

According to ESPN Bacot averages 14.4 PPG for the current season. In his recent March Madness performance Round 1 he scored 20 points. It was against Wagner Seahawks and Tar Heels won convincingly 90-62. He also contributed with 15 rebounds, 1 Assist, and 1 Block. During the second-round game against the Michigan State Spartans, Bacot Jr. scored 18 points. Helping his team win 85-69 with 7 rebounds 3 assists and 2 Blocks. 

Bacot is currently an UNC leader in rebounds (1,335) and double-doubles (68) according to Go heels.com. He is also Second at UNC in offensive rebounds (476) and offensive rebounds per game (3.61). Last season he earned Associated Press Preseason First-Team All-America honors. He is second in the all-time scoring charts at UNC.

Now with no looking back on his collegiate career, the only way forward is the NBA draft. Will any team look to bolster their ranks with Armando Bacot Jr. Or will the teams look to pass the opportunity?

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