Emoni Bates

Emoni Bates' story begins in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he was crowned the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2020, representing the first-ever sophomore to win the award. He averaged 32.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game that campaign. Bates was a consensus top-five recruit and committed to play collegiate basketball with new coach Penny Hardaway at Memphis. Then, Bates dealt with injury and adjusting to college hoops, prompting him to transfer to his hometown school, Eastern Michigan. After averaging 9.7 points as a freshman at Memphis, Bates rebounded with a 19.2 point per game season at Eastern Michigan, shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from deep. Bates has the look of an elite shotmaker. His lanky, 6-foot-9 frame resembles Brandon Ingram, and Bates has a knack for tough-bucket getting. His lack of efficiency at Eastern Michigan was subpar, with scoring being the central selling point. Notably, he was excellent in Combine drills, sinking 25-of-30 off-the-dribble shot attempts to tie Penn State's Seth Lundy at the top of the leaderboard. Bates is an active defensive rebounder and can be revved up defensively. Bates has not been in an environment to comfortably and consistently showcase his game since displaying dominance during his sophomore year of high school. Bates' midrange prowess isn't a fit everywhere, but his upside as a microwave scorer gives him sixth-man potential. Bates could spend time in the G League, especially if NBA teams determine he needs to add weight or needs time to acclimate. All of the tangibles remain present for the 19-year-old to capitalize on his skills.