Armando Bacot, the guy who absolutely dominated college hoops for North Carolina, just announced he’s opened his first hotel, a Home2 Suites by Hilton near Raleigh’s Crabtree Valley Mall. This isn’t just some side hustle, either; he’s sinking a chunk of the *over $2 million* he earned in NIL money during his time at UNC into this venture, teaming up with Atma Hotel Group. That’s a serious business move from a player who was an absolute beast in college.
UNC Legend to G League Grind: The Unconventional Path
Dude was a force for UNC from 2019-2024, leaving Chapel Hill as one of their all-time best big men. We’re talking North Carolina’s all-time leader in rebounds with 1,715, offensive boards with 593, and a ridiculous 87 double-doubles. He was a key piece of that 2022 National Championship runner-up squad and the 2024 Sweet 16 team. You’d think that kind of consistent, high-level production screams NBA, right? But Bacot went undrafted in 2024. He played in the NBA Summer League with the Utah Jazz, then signed with the Memphis Grizzlies before getting waived and playing with their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. He *thrived* in the G League, too, making everyone think an NBA contract was just around the corner.
From Turkey to Tel Aviv: The Dream Lives On
Instead of the NBA, Bacot signed with Turkish club Fenerbahçe for his 2025-26 season. Now, he’s just starting his first season with the Israeli Premier League squad Maccabi Tel Aviv, locked in on a 2-year deal. He’s clearly hoping a breakout season there brings him back to the States, back to that NBA dream. It’s wild to see a guy with that kind of college resume and business savvy still grinding it out overseas, but you gotta respect the hustle, both on and off the court. Remember his old teammate, Seth Trimble? He’s a guard at Louisville now and owns the Ben and Jerry’s on Franklin Street. These guys are smart with their money!
Armando Bacot is playing big stakes right now, both as a new hotel owner and a pro baller chasing his NBA shot in Israel. Keep an eye on his numbers with Maccabi Tel Aviv; he’s clearly putting everything on the line for that eventual call back to the States.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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