Recruiting Report: Armando Bacot (2019)
Armando Bacot has been the #1 ranked player in the Vantage Hoops 2019 top 100 for a while now, and all summer long he’s done nothing but perform at a high level for nationally ranked grassroots powerhouse Team Loaded Virginia. The 6’10 forward averaged a double double on the Adidas Gauntlet. Given the fact that he will still play one more year of AAU basketball, Bacot has done remarkably well.
“I think I’m a winner first, but a back to the basket big that can also score from the wing and knock down the three,” said Bacot of his overall game. “My IQ is underrated. I feel like my knowledge of basketball is way above my age. I just see the game different then everyone in my class.”
The biggest difference between Bacot this summer and last is definitely his physical conditioning. His stamina has improved significantly, but he knows that he still has more work to do.
“My athleticism is the most improved part of my game over the last 12 months. I’m stronger, faster, and can jump higher now,” Bacot explained. “The next part of my game that I need to improve would be to get my lateral quickness faster so I can be even better at guarding the ball screens.”
Bacot has seen his recruitment expand by leaps and bounds this spring and summer. His offer list is approaching 40 schools. Schools that have expressed interest, but have not yet offered Bacot include Duke, Kentucky, Texas, Pittsburgh, and Arizona. One thing we really like about Bacot is that he’s an excellent student as well.
“I would say this school year was a down year for me in the classroom,” said Bacot, who has become a primary target for Harvard Head Coach Tommy Amaker. “I finished with a 3.8, but I’m usually in the 4.0 area. I still finished with all A’s, but not my best work.”
What can Bacot bring to a college program?
“Scoring, rebounding, a great teammate, and a winner.”