Former UNC star showing the value of NIL money for athletes

It is no secret to UNC basketball fans who Armando Bacot is. The center dominated college hoops for almost the entirety of his career in Chapel Hill . Now, he is moving that domination off the court in the next chapter of his life.

Just a few years ago, Name, Image, and Likeness” (NIL, for short) was introduced as a way to pay college players for the money they brought to prestigious universities.

It has since become a method that coaches and colleges use to recruit top talent to their programs. Bacot played college basketball during this transition and because of his rise to stardom early on, he was able to enjoy the fruits of the progress.

In an interview with 247sports , Bacot credits North Carolina with the opportunity to make “life-changing” money.

I had no clue [the effect NIL would have]. I didn’t know what I was doing. You go from [making no money] to being a millionaire fast. It was crazy. We didn’t realize it. I made $2 million-plus. I’m saying that humbly, though. That speaks of the brand at North Carolina. If I didn’t go to North Carolina, I wouldn’t have been doing those deals at Turbo Tax and others.

Bacot has since announced a partnership with a hotel company and breaking ground on his first hotel, he stated on his Twitter account.

The former star is not only using his basketball talent; he’s also using that business education and putting it to work early for a brighter future.

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