Armando Bacot Family Round Table On Why It's UNC

Tar Heel Illustrated has been following the transformation of Armando Bacot for nearly four years leading to the 6-9, 244-pound center’s commitment to North Carolina on Thursday evening.

The entire family sat down with THI to discuss why the rising senior from Richmond, VA, chose to play for Roy Williams.

The following interview took place between Armando Bacot, his father Armando Sr., and his mother Christie Lomax. They are referred to as Armando, Dad and Mom in the following transcription to make it easier to follow.

Question: Roy Williams is known for being an excellent trust builder with families. Particularly with moms. When did you know that you were comfortable with your son going down there and playing for him? Was there a moment or a conversation when he just got you onboard?

Mom: "When he told us at Trinity that he would be the only head coach to make his seven visits to see Armando play. And he did. Also, we were at UNC on an unofficial visit, and he made time for us but was watching the clock because his wife was putting on their annual fish fry at their home. And he couldn’t be late. It showed me that he was a family man. Definitely, trust building moment for me."

Question: As a dad, what does it feel like sending your son off to UNC? What kind of relationship did Roy, Hubert and the coaches build with you?

Dad: "It feels great they have a great track record when it comes to bigs - fours and fives. And just assisting with making great men and great citizens. They are winners and my son is a winner. The way they reached out to us. Everywhere we were this summer, they were."

Question: Armando, what essentially sold you on North Carolina? Now that it's over with, what was it that made you decide it was the place for you?

Armando: "Just (the) coaches’ loyalty to me and how much (Roy Williams) was there to see me. His consistent message to me."

Question: Christie, what makes Roy such a good recruiter in your book? What traits does he have that maybe stand out versus others?

Mom: "He didn’t call and text me every day. He’s an in-person talker, which I love, because I am traditional. I love them too. We are grateful to God to be Tar Heels, and this path to Carolina is definitely ordained."

Question: Armando, when did you actually MAKE your decision? I know you've announced it today. But when did you know, in your mind, that Carolina was the place for you?

Armando: "I would say at the end of July. Just based on as much as coach had come to see me. It really showed how much he believed in me. And he kept his promise of being the coach to see me the most."

Question: Dad, when did you know that your son would be an elite high major basketball recruit?

Dad: "Wow, from birth I always believed and knew what it would be years ago. I always pushed him hard and he always responded when he was really young. He wanted to work and get better. I am his biggest fan."

Question: Armando, some people want to know about the timing of this announcement. Why now?

Armando: "Just didn’t want to waste any other coaches time recruiting me."

Question: Last question for Armando. Who do you want to bring with you in 2019 to Chapel Hill?

Armando: "Cole Anthony and my two IMG Academy teammates, Josh Green and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl."

Question: Last question for Mom. What advice would you give to another mother who gets to go through this process?

Mom: "Trust God. Ask a lot of questions. Talk to other parents and players of the schools that interest you the most. Research the school, team and academics. Do what’s best for your child and family. And enjoy the process."

Question: Last question for Dad. How does it feel, as a father, to see your son commit to UNC and have such a storybook prep career with the USA team, the Peach Jam championship, the MVP award and the overall great spring and summer?

Dad: "I can’t explain. Words won’t allow me to. But to get with your son and he and I would set goals for every year and watch him go work for it and accomplish them is one of the best feelings in the world. Let's not forget he gave me his gold medal for Father’s Day. And for him to commit to a school like UNC is truly a blessing for God."