Armando Bacot titles former UNC star Day’Ron Sharpe the “greatest rebounder” in program history
Utah Jazz star Armando Bacot played college basketball for UNC from 2019 to 2024. During his five-year stay at North Carolina, Bacot played one season with Brooklyn Nets forward Day'Ron Sharpe.
Bacot, a 6-foot-11 center, acknowledged his former teammate's rebounding prowess and highlighted the synergy they shared on the court during his appearance on the "Run Your Race" podcast by Tidal League:
"When me and Day'Ron was on the court, it was insane because we got so many like you look at me like I’m considered the greatest rebounder in Carolina history, but Day'Ron Sharpe, that’s the greatest rebounder in Carolina history," Bacot said.
Bacot averaged 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks per game during his time with the Tar Heels. In the 2021-22 season, he averaged a remarkable 13.1 rpg, guiding UNC to the NCAA tournament final.
Bacot set records for the most double-doubles and career rebounds at UNC. In January 2023, he broke Tyler Hansbrough's record for the most career rebounds. He has 1,715 total rebounds, 593 offensive rebounds and 87 double-doubles for North Carolina, all the most in program history.
Moreover, Bacot scored 2,347 points, the second-highest in program history behind Tyler Hansbrough.
On the other hand, Day’Ron Sharpe, who played for UNC during the 2020-21 season, also boasts decent rebounding stats.
In the 29 games he played for the Tar Heels, Sharpe averaged 9.5 ppg and 7.6 rpg. In his first game, he managed 13 points and 10 rebounds, becoming only the fourth UNC player to record a double-double on debut.
Armando Bacot reveals how much money he made from NIL deals
The introduction of NIL in college sports has been game-changing for student-athletes. At such a young age, players like Armando Bacot are able to earn millions. Also, being at a top school like North Carolina has certainly been beneficial for him, as he revealed in the same podcast interview.
When asked how much he made during his time at UNC through NIL deals, Bacot said:
"$2 million plus. But I'm saying that humbly though. That speaks on the brand of Carolina because if I didn't go to Carolina, these like, doing deals with Turbo Tax, all those people, they wouldn't do it with me.
"But like I go to Carolina so I'm able to. If you go to Carolina and you handle business, you go out there and play, somewhat be marketable like and stuff like that, it pays."
Bacot also advised future recruits, telling them they can succeed both in basketball and in the NIL world by choosing to go to top colleges like North Carolina.