Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023 ...

Armando Bacot knocked down five 3-point attempts across his five seasons as the UNC basketball program's full-time starting center. Through one game with the G League's Memphis Hustle, marking his regular season debut as a professional after going undrafted in June, the 24-year-old from Richmond, Va., is already over halfway to his total makes beyond the arc in collegeALSO READ: Ex-UNC Forward James Okonkwo Enjoys Starting Role at New SchoolIn Saturday's 103-97 road loss to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Bacot shot 3-for-9 from downtown.Except for the 3-point column, though, the ACC's all-time double-double producer posted a stat line closely resembling his standard night in a UNC basketball jersey, as he finished with 17 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, and two steals across his equally impressive game-high 37 minutes as a starter.Plus, as highlighted in the video below, Bacot showed off more versatility in his professional repertoire by turning his defensive rebound into an assisted splash via his refined handles and instinctive decision-making in tempo-pushing mode:For now, not counting a former outbound UNC basketball transfer in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, only six Tar Heels are in the NBA: Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe, Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony, San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes, and Spurs forward Harrison Ingram.ALSO READ: Former Tar Heel Standout Cam Johnson Heating Up for NetsStay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/unc as UNC Basketball Treasure Makes Statement in First Official Pro Outing.

North Carolina and Hubert Davis have two commitments in the Class of 2025. The top overall recruit for UNC basketball is the No. 47 ranked player, Isaiah Denis, and the No. 51 ranked player, Derek Dixon.