Former North Carolina basketball star Armando Bacot made headlines recently as he revealed he made over $2 million during his days with the Tar Heels. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bacot quickly signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Utah Jazz. His success at North Carolina, where he played for five seasons and earned multiple accolades, was a testament to the branding and opportunities available for athletes at top programs. Bacot’s decision to return for another year instead of entering the NBA Draft was influenced by the significant amount of money he was able to earn in college through NIL deals.
With the landscape of collegiate athletics rapidly changing due to NIL opportunities, Bacot’s story serves as a prime example of the financial rewards available to star athletes. Players like Coleman Hawkins and high-profile recruits Shedeur Sanders and Arch Manning are also capitalizing on these opportunities to secure lucrative deals and enhance their draft prospects. The growth of NIL funding in college sports, as seen with Kentucky’s $4 million deal and other large payouts, signifies a major shift in the world of amateur athletics.
Armando Bacot’s experience highlights the potential for college stars to earn significant amounts of money and shape their own destinies regardless of NBA draft decisions. As the NIL movement continues to gain momentum, more athletes are poised to capitalize on these opportunities and earn life-changing sums during their collegiate careers.
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