Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv has significantly enhanced its frontcourt by securing a two-year contract with Armando Bacot, a 26-year-old center. This strategic acquisition comes after Bacot's triumphant season with Fenerbahce, where he clinched the Turkish League championship. The Israeli club's announcement on Thursday, August 6, underscores its commitment to refining its roster for the upcoming 2026-27 EuroLeague season.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Secures Key Center Armando Bacot for Two Seasons
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv has officially announced the signing of 26-year-old center Armando Bacot to a two-year contract. This pivotal move, finalized on August 6, strengthens the Israeli club's frontcourt in anticipation of the 2026-27 EuroLeague season. Bacot joins Maccabi after a successful 2025-26 season with Fenerbahce, where he played a crucial role in securing the Turkish League championship, the Turkish Cup, and the Turkish Super Cup alongside Bonzie Colson. Despite a more constrained role in EuroLeague competition, where he averaged 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds over 26 appearances, Bacot showcased his capabilities in the Turkish domestic league. There, he posted an average of 6.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17.2 minutes across 19 games, demonstrating efficient shooting percentages of 49.4% from the field, 34.6% from three-point range, and 76.3% from the free-throw line.
Bacot's distinguished career began at the University of North Carolina, where he evolved into one of the program's most accomplished players. Over five seasons with the Tar Heels, he maintained impressive averages of 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 169 games, with a field goal percentage of 55.2%. His collegiate peak occurred in the 2021-22 season, as he contributed 16.3 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, guiding North Carolina to the NCAA championship game. He concluded his UNC tenure as one of the program's all-time leading rebounders, amassing 1,715 rebounds. Prior to his European debut with Fenerbahce, Bacot honed his skills in the NBA G League with Memphis' affiliate, where he averaged 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 50 games. Maccabi, aiming to improve upon its 12th-place finish in the 2025-26 EuroLeague regular season with an 18-20 record, has been actively reshaping its roster. The team has already welcomed Bonzie Colson, Yam Madar, and Daniel Theis, while seeing the departures of Lonnie Walker IV, Tamir Blatt, and Zach Hankins. Bacot's arrival provides another robust interior option, complementing Roman Sorkin, who led Maccabi in scoring last season with 13.5 points per game in EuroLeague play.
“I am genuinely thrilled to become part of such an esteemed organization as Maccabi Tel Aviv and eager to contribute to its success and continuous growth,” Bacot expressed following his contract signing. Under the guidance of head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, Bacot is poised to assume a more prominent role in Maccabi's frontcourt, building on his valuable experience from Fenerbahce's system.
This acquisition highlights Maccabi Tel Aviv's ambitious plans for the upcoming EuroLeague season. By bringing in a player of Bacot's caliber, who has proven his worth both collegiately and professionally, the team signals a clear intent to compete at the highest level. His experience in a championship-winning European club, coupled with his strong collegiate background, suggests a player ready to take on increased responsibility. It will be fascinating to observe how Bacot integrates into Maccabi's strategic framework and contributes to their pursuit of EuroLeague success, especially as the team continues to build a formidable roster around established talents.
