North Carolina has a new rebounding champion.
Armando Bakot broke a school record and beat Tyler Hansbrough’s record in an 80-69 win over NC State on Saturday night with 6:54 to grab the inning. The game was stopped and Hansbrough posed for a brief photo with Bakett on the court, paying tribute to the veteran big man.
Bacot had 18 rebounds on the day, nearly all of which he needed to push his career total to 1,221 and pass Hansbrough’s 1,219. Bakett averaged 10 rebounds per game for his career, while Hansbrough averaged 8.6 rebounds per game. Of UNC’s top 10 all-time rebounders, only Billy Cunningham (15.4) averaged more.
Bakett also had 23 points on Saturday, his 61st career double-double. It was also a school record, breaking the tie he shared with Cunningham.
North Carolina (14-6) is already on a three-game winning streak and Bacourt has a double-double with at least 16 rebounds per game.
“Every day in practice, in shootarounds, in games, you know he’s going to be there for himself, for the team, on both ends of the floor,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said, according to the Fayetteville Observer. Give it your all for this program.” “Putting him past Tyler Hansbrough and Billy Cunningham … it’s unbelievable. He’s a great player. He’s a part of Carolina history. One of the best players in the world. I’m really, really proud of him.”
Here are the top 10 rebounders in UNC history:
- Armando Bacot (2019-present): 1,221
- Tyler Hansbrough (2005-2009): 1,219
- Sam Perkins (1980-1984): 1,167
- George Lynch (1989-1993): 1,097
- Billy Cunningham (1962-1965): 1,062
- Kennedy Meeks (2013-2017): 1,052
- Bryce Johnson (2012-2016): 1,035
- Antawn Jamison (1995-1998): 1,027
- Mitch Kupchak (1972-1976): 1,006
- Brad Dougherty (1982-1986): 1,003
Bakett is one of two UNC players, the other being Sean May, to average a career double-double over the past 50 years. Last season, he became the first player in NCAA history to record six double-doubles in the NCAA Tournament as the Tar Heels advanced to the championship game.
“He’s an attacker,” Hansbrough told The Athletic. “Armando’s strength and touch have really improved over the years. From his freshman year to now, the way he handles the body and the touch is night and day.”
read more:
Headlines from FOX Sports:
college basketball
North Carolina Tar Heels
Get more out of college basketball Follow your favorites for info on games, news and more
