Armando Baco is the Tar Heels' new all-time rebounding king

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North Carolina has a new rebounding king.

Armando Bako overtook Tyler Hansbrough for a school record by taking the board in 6:54 in Saturday night’s 80-69 win over North Carolina State. Play was suspended and Hansbrough joined Baccott on the court for a short photo session in his honor.

Baccott had 18 rebounds on the day, and needed nearly all of them to surpass Hansbrough’s mark of 1,219 for a career total of 1,221. Baccott has averaged 10 rebounds per game for his career compared to Hansbrough’s career average of 8.6. Of UNC’s top 10 all-time rebounders, only Billy Cunningham (15.4) is above the per-game average.

Bacot scored 23 points on Saturday for his 61st career double-double. It’s also a school record, breaking the tie he shared with Cunningham.

North Carolina (14-6) has a three-game winning streak, and Baccott has a double-double of at least 16 rebounds each.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, UNC coach Hubert Davis said, “Every day, in practices, shootarounds and games, he’s doing his best on both sides of the floor for himself, his team and this program. “The way he passed Tyler Hansbrough and Billy Cunningham…it’s unbelievable. He’s a great player. He’s one of the best players in Carolina history.” I’m really, really proud of him.”

Here are UNC’s all-time top 10 in rebounding.

Armando Baco (2019-present): 1,221
Tyler Hansbrough (2005-2009): 1,219
Sam Perkins (1980-1984): 1,167
George Lynch (1989-1993): 1,097
Billy Cunningham (1962-1965): 1,062
Kennedy Meeks (2013-2017): 1,052
Bryce Johnson (2012-2016): 1,035
Antone Jamison (1995-1998): 1,027
Mitch Kupchak (1972-1976): 1,006
Brad Doughty (1982-1986): 1,003

Baccott is one of two UNC players in the last 50 years, the other being Sean May. Last season, he became the first player in his NCAA history to record his six double-doubles in the NCAA Tournament, helping the Tar Heels advance to the championship game.

“He’s an attacker,” Hansbrough told The Athletic. “Armando has really improved over the years in his strength and in being able to make contact. It’s night.”

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