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). Part of both the Tar Heels' 2022 National Championship runner-up squad, plus their 2024 Sweet 16 group, Bacot proved himself worthy of an NBA spot with his consistent, high-level production in college.
Now currently 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 NIL earnings, which he recently revealed exceeded $2 million at UNC, to operate the Home2 Suites in conjunction with the Atma Hotel Group. Bacot's former teammate, now-Louisville guard Seth Trimble, owns the Ben and Jerry's on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
I am very proud to announce that our extended stay project, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Crabtree Raleigh, is officially open! Go check it out@atmahotelgroup
— Armando Bacot Jr. (@iget_buckets35) August 13, 2026
Next one in the works stay tuned. 🏗️ pic.twitter.com/c9LqL5VYyp
Despite his highly-successful North Carolina career, Bacot went undrafted in 2024. He then joined the Utah Jazz for NBA Summer League, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies and, after being waived, played with their G League affiliate Memphis Hustle that season.
Bacot thrived in the G League, leading many to believe an NBA contract was in the works, but he instead signed with Turkish club Fenerbahçe for his 2025-26 season. Now on a 2-year deal in Israel, Bacot is hoping a breakout season brings him back to the States.
Regardless of where Bacot lands at the next step of his pro career, it's pretty rewarding to see your hard-earned college dollars funneled into a brand new business venture.
Here's to hoping the Richmond, Va. 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