"I got life-changing money": Ex-UNC star Armando Bacot credits 'brand of Carolina' for making over $2 million in NIL deals with the Tar Heels

Armando Bacot played five years with the North Carolina Tar Heels. During this time, he established himself as one of the reliable players who helped lead the Tar Heels to a title game in 2022 and Sweet 16 in 2024.

Despite having opportunities to leave North Carolina for the NBA, Bacot saw his transition getting hindered by injuries. However, the NIL money made the wait worth it, as the center built its business acumen through brand deals.

In a podcast interview with "Run Your Race" podcast, host Theo Pinson asked Armando Bacot how much he had earned through NIL deals. The former Tar Heel replied:

"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.

"That's what I'm saying, like, I could never say a bad word about Carolina and everything. Because I got life-changing money. I'm from Richmond (and) I got life-changing money in college just off playing basketball. That's why I'm forever thankful of Carolina, the brand because like to be able to make over $2 million just like in college is crazy. You know, it's nuts.

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Armando Bacot reveals he was a die-hard, UNC rival, Duke fan

In his fifth year with the Tar Heels, Armando Bacot averaged 14.5 points and 10.3 rebounds. His best year came as a junior when he averaged 16.3 points and 13.1 rebounds.

He has been with the Tar Heels during its best run. However, in the interview with Pinson, Armando Bacot admitted to being a Duke fan, which complicated his commitment process.

“I’ll never admit it, but I’ll admit it now: I grew up a Duke fan — hated Carolina,” Bacot said on the podcast.

“Even committing to Carolina for me, it was like out of nowhere because, even throughout the process, I visited, I loved Coach (Hubert) Davis. I loved Coach (Roy) Williams, but it was tough for me, just even rockin’ with Carolina.”

However, since joining, Bacot has called UNC his home and is considered a legend on the campus. Now, the center gets to potentially share the court with a Duke player.

After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Armando Bacot signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz. He will be joining UNC rival Duke's Kyle Filipowski, who was selected as No. 32.

As Bacot is not on a guaranteed contract, he will have to compete for his spot through the Summer League and preseason games.

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