Armando Bacot's Promising NBA Debut: A Tar Heel's Journey to the Grizzlies

Armando Bacot, the former University of North Carolina basketball standout, has taken a significant step in his professional career. After going undrafted following a prolific college tenure, Bacot joined the Memphis Grizzlies for their training camp and preseason, showcasing his skills against NBA-caliber talent. Although his Exhibit 10 contract with the Grizzlies did not result in a roster spot for the regular season, the 24-year-old Tar Heel gem is poised to embark on his professional rookie campaign, likely suiting up for the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies' G League affiliate, with the ultimate goal of earning another shot with the NBA team.

Unleashing Bacot's Potential: A Tar Heel's Pursuit of NBA Glory

Bacot's Collegiate Dominance: A Tar Heel Legacy

Armando Bacot's collegiate career at the University of North Carolina was nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of five prolific seasons, the 6-foot-11, 240-pound center established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the post. Bacot's relentless work ethic, combined with his impressive physical attributes, allowed him to become the Tar Heels' full-time starter and the program's all-time leading rebounder and double-double producer.Bacot's dominance on the court was evident in his ability to consistently contribute to his team's success. His unwavering commitment to the game and his willingness to do the dirty work in the paint made him an invaluable asset to the Tar Heels. Bacot's ability to control the boards, protect the rim, and score efficiently in the low post were key factors in his rise to prominence within the college basketball landscape.

Undrafted, but Undeterred: Bacot's Pursuit of the NBA

Despite his impressive collegiate career, Armando Bacot went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. This setback, however, did not deter the young player's ambitions. Determined to prove his worth at the professional level, Bacot seized the opportunity to join the Memphis Grizzlies for their training camp and preseason.The Exhibit 10 contract Bacot signed with the Grizzlies provided him with a chance to showcase his skills against NBA-caliber talent. This experience was invaluable for the former Tar Heel, as it allowed him to gauge his readiness for the professional game and identify areas for improvement.

Bacot's Preseason Debut: A Glimpse of Potential

Armando Bacot's preseason performances with the Memphis Grizzlies were a testament to his talent and potential. In the four games he saw action in, Bacot showcased his versatility and ability to contribute at the NBA level.Bacot's most promising performance came in a road win over the Chicago Bulls, where he scored nine points, shot 3-for-4 from the field, and added seven rebounds and one assist in just 17 minutes off the bench. This display of his skills and productivity against a formidable opponent highlighted Bacot's readiness to compete at the highest level.Overall, Bacot's preseason stats with the Grizzlies were respectable, as he averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 9.5 minutes per game, while shooting 4-for-10 from the field and 7-for-12 at the foul line.

The G League Opportunity: Bacot's Path to the Grizzlies

Although Bacot's Exhibit 10 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies did not result in a roster spot for the regular season, the young player's journey is far from over. The most likely next step for Bacot is to suit up for the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies' G League affiliate.The G League presents an excellent opportunity for Bacot to continue his development and showcase his skills on a consistent basis. By dominating at the minor league level, Bacot can position himself for another shot with the Grizzlies or potentially attract the attention of other NBA teams in the future.The G League experience will allow Bacot to refine his game, work on his weaknesses, and gain valuable playing time against high-level competition. This crucial step in his professional career could be the key to unlocking his full potential and ultimately earning a coveted spot on an NBA roster.