The University of North Carolina‘s basketball star Armando Bacot shared why he’ll be returning to play for the school for his last season.

According to ESPN, Bacot told Stadium he decided to remain a Tar Heel athlete. Although most of his teammates left due to the unfortunate 2022-2023 season, which was likely the reason why they opted out of the 2023 National Invitation Tournament (NIT). This season was the first time UNC didn’t make the NCAA tournament since 2010. The nearly 7-foot baller said he knows one more season will be beneficial to continue developing his skills. In addition, he simply loves his school.

“I’m using my last year of eligibility,” said Bacot. “I felt it was the right decision for my future. … The primary reason I am coming back is because I don’t want to leave North Carolina this way. But I also know I need to improve and feel like this is the best place to do that.”

The 23-year-old, who recently added acting to his resume after a guest appearance in Netflix’s teen drama series Outer Banks, has garnered a large social following.

This season, he averaged 15.9 points and 10.4 rebounds, which put him in the running to receive the John R. Wooden Award, an annual award given to the most outstanding men’s and women’s college basketball players.

He’s able to play a fifth season at UNC due to the waiver the NCAA created due to the impact the pandemic had on student-athletes during the 2019-2020 season.

Deciding to stay not only shows his faith in the school’s program but his determination to evolve as a player before being drafted by the NBA.

basketballNCAAThe University of North Carolina