CBB: Emoni Bates visits Memphis, Oregon with decision date looming

Emoni Bates, who recently reclassified to 2021, visited Memphis on Wednesday, August 18 as the date to make a commitment inches closer. Bates (#4 prospect) has been a 5-star since stepping foot in high school and was a well known prospect years before that. The 6’8 forward revealed his top four choices earlier this month including G-League Ignite, Memphis, Michigan State, and Oregon. According to Shams Charania, Penny Hardaway and the Tigers hired former Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace as an assistant coach on Wednesday after bringing aboard Larry Brown in early July. Updated projections per 247 Sports point towards Bates picking the Tigers and teaming up with Jalen Duren (#5 prospect) and DeAndre Williams.

There’s still a realistic chance he goes straight to the G-League though. If that’s the case then he'd join Jaden Hardy (#3 prospect), who has already announced he’ll skip college and play for the Ignite in 2022. Bates has the potential to be an elite player next season and beyond because of his relentless scoring drive and ability to knock down shots at all three levels. He’s also improved other areas of his game as he continues to prepare for the 2023 NBA Draft. The Ypsilanti-product was also recently in the gym with Carmelo Anthony and trainer Chris Brickley, working on their perimeter shot off the catch and more. Bates is scheduled to visit Oregon this Friday before the deadline to make a decision on Thursday, August 26.

Photo Credit: Yardbarker.