Armando Bacot Joins Maccabi Tel Aviv as Backup Center After Challenging EuroLeague Season

Armando Bacot, a 2.08-meter center, is set to join Maccabi Tel Aviv as a secondary or tertiary center under coach Oded Katash following a difficult season with Fenerbahce. At 25 years old, this move represents a significant opportunity in Bacot's professional career after struggling to make a major impact in the EuroLeague. Bacot, who grew up in Richmond, Virginia, was highly regarded from a young age, excelling in high school with averages of 24.5 points and 11 rebounds per game and participating in the 2018 USA youth national team and the prestigious McDonald's All-American game alongside notable players like Anthony Edwards and Isaiah Stewart.

He played college basketball at North Carolina, starting in nearly every game over his tenure and earning captaincy in his senior year. Bacot matched Tim Duncan's ACC record with 29 double-doubles in a season and helped lead North Carolina to the NCAA finals. Despite strong college stats, including 15.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in his penultimate season, Bacot went undrafted in the NBA and spent time in the G League, where he averaged 13.9 points and 9.4 rebounds.

Bacot's EuroLeague debut with Fenerbahce was challenging; he struggled with efficiency, shooting only 40% from the field and ranking low in points per possession and turnovers. His style as a traditional back-to-the-basket center has become less favored in modern basketball, especially given his limited shooting range and mobility. However, he has shown some ability to shoot three-pointers, hitting 33.3% from beyond the arc in the G League and Fenerbahce, which could add value to Maccabi's offense.

Defensively, Bacot manages well against opposing big men but faces difficulties when switching onto quicker guards, leading to frequent fouls. Despite these limitations, Bacot will be Maccabi's second foreign center behind Daniel Theis, reducing pressure on him and offering a chance to develop further. Bacot expressed enthusiasm about joining a club with a large fan base and the opportunity to contribute to a top-level team.

Maccabi Tel Aviv hopes Bacot's size, rebounding, and occasional shooting can bolster their frontcourt depth after finishing 16th in rebounds last EuroLeague season. While not yet a dominant presence, Bacot's arrival could provide valuable support and potential growth in Israel's premier basketball league.