American Center Armando Bacot Signs with Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Team

American center Armando Bacot, 26, has finalized his contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Bacot, who stands 2.08 meters tall, played last season for Fenerbahçe but had limited impact, averaging 10 minutes, 2.4 points, and 1.8 rebounds over 26 EuroLeague games. Considered a top prospect early in his career, Bacot played five years at the University of North Carolina, a program known for producing NBA stars like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter. After college, he excelled with the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G League, averaging 16.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, but did not secure an NBA contract last summer and subsequently signed with Fenerbahçe in September.

At Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bacot is expected to be the third tallest player in the rotation, behind Roman Sorkin and the senior foreign big man Daniel Theis, a 34-year-old German forward standing 2.06 meters. Theis was close to transferring to French club Villeurbanne, with team owner Tony Parker confirming near agreement in late June. However, Villeurbanne recently faced a significant financial crisis that altered the situation, potentially affecting Theis's move.

Bacot's signing comes as Maccabi Tel Aviv strengthens its frontcourt options ahead of the new season, aiming to improve its competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.