1. Armando Bacot – Senior Forward – #5
2022-23 stats: 7 GP, 34.6 MIN, 16.7 PPG, 11.3 REB, 1.6 BLK, 3.4 PF, 56.7 FG%, 67.2 FT%
Unfortunately for the Tar Heels, Bacot left the four-overtime loss against Alabama with an apparent ankle injury. It seems as though he’s going to play through it for such a big-time matchup, but this could hinder his performance and athleticism in a game where he will need it against Trayce Jackson-Davis and the Hoosiers.
In the loss to Alabama, Bacot posted 20 points and 10 rebounds on 7-for-12 shooting in 38 minutes played. It’s his third double-double this season and he currently ranks fourth among major conference players in total rebounds per game (11.3) and fifth in offensive rebounds per game (4.4).
The Tar Heels have won 10 straight games when Bacot grabs more than 15 rebounds in a game. The 6-foot-11 big man will be matching up with Trayce Jackson-Davis all game long and whoever comes out on top on the boards, will likely lead their team to victory on Wednesday night.