Armando Bacot, Leaky Black explain meaning of Final Four trip in Hubert Davis first season

North Carolina is one of the greatest programs in the history of college basketball – there’s no question about it. Although they’ve had some unprecedented down seasons in recent memory, the Tar Heels have climbed their way back up the ladder under first-year head coach Hubert Davis during the 2021-22 season.

After putting together a solid regular season, North Carolina’s postseason has been a memorable one for Davis and his club. After earning a No. 8 seed for the NCAA Tournament, the Tar Heels have reeled off a couple of upsets and made a run to the Final Four – where they’ll face their longtime rival and No. 2 seeded Duke on Saturday in New Orleans.

Following Sunday’s Elite Eight win over No. 15 seeded St. Peter’s, North Carolina secured the last Final Four spot – and that means a lot for Davis and his players. In their postgame press conference, junior forward Armando Bacot and senior guard Leaky Black explained what it means to them to reach the Final Four in their coach’s first season.

“For me specifically, it means everything because since I’ve been here – my first two years was just so tough,” Bacot said. “And people kind of pushed North Carolina to the side and saying how we were done and all this and that. And I’m just so glad to make it to the Final Four finally and kind of cement myself.

“We’re not done yet. But just so you know, cement myself and us as a team – me and Leaky specifically – to be able to say we won.”

Black reiterated Bacot’s statement – saying that it’s good to be among the last four teams that are still playing college basketball at this point of the season.

“Me and Armando, it’s been a roller coaster the past few years,” Black said. “Been laughed at on social media. It feels good to get the last laugh right here – but we’re not done yet.”

Saturday’s Final Four matchup between No. 8 North Carolina and No. 2 Duke will mark the two programs’ first-ever meeting in the NCAA Tournament. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:49 p.m. ET on TBS with a spot in the national championship game on the line.