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Armando Bacot uses NIL money to open new business
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- Armando Bacot uses NIL money to open new business
An integral part of UNC basketball success from 2019-2024, Armando Bacot left Chapel Hill as one of the best big men in program history.
Bacot is North Carolina's all-time leader in rebounds (1,715), offensive boards (593) and double-doubles (87). While a part of the Tar Heels' 2022 national runner-up squad and their 2024 Sweet 16 group , Bacot proved worthy of an NBA spot with his consistent, high-level production in college.
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Now entering his first season with Israeli Premier League squad Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bacot is also thriving as a business owner. Recently, Bacot announced the opening of his first hotel, the Home2 Suites by Hilton near Raleigh's Crabtree Valley Mall.
Bacot is using part of his name, image and likeness licensing earnings, which he recently revealed exceeded $2 million at UNC , to operate the Home2 Suites business in conjunction with the Atma Hotel Group. Bacot's former teammate, Louisville guard Seth Trimble, owns the Ben and Jerry's on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
Despite his highly successful North Carolina career, Bacot went undrafted in 2024. He joined the Utah Jazz for that year's NBA Summer League, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, and, after being waived, played with their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, that season.
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Bacot thrived in the G League , leading many to believe an NBA contract was in the works. Instead he signed with Turkish club Fenerbahçe for his 2025-26 season. Now on a two-year deal in Israel, Bacot is hoping a breakout season brings him back to the states.
Regardless of where Bacot lands for the next step of his pro career, it's pretty rewarding to see your hard-earned college dollars funneled into a new business venture.
Here's to hoping the Richmond, Virginia, native snags a future spot in the NBA.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Armando Bacot uses NIL money to open new business
