Before most of today s young superstars emerged onto the scene,Emoni Bateswas at the top of the rankings. His high school career was very decorated as he was an elite scorer of the ball. Nobody witnessed anyone play basketball like him. His love for basketball began at the age of 3. Bates used to sleep with a tiny basketball right next to him. Little did he know, it would lead him to an outstanding career in the sport.
In high school, he played for Lincoln High School. Right off the bat, he would show the world he was an exceptional scorer. During his freshmen year, Bates helped Lincoln win their first regional title. He averaged 28.5 points and earned several accolades like Gatorade Player of the Year, MaxPreps Freshmen of the Year, and all-state honors. He started receiving comparisons to a high schoolLeBron James.
Emoni Bates PUNCHED that
(via backtobusiness22/TT) pic.twitter.com/oVtOq6bOcqOvertime (@overtime) April 21, 2023
During his Sophomore year, he ended up earning himself a second round of the same accolades. Bates was also put on the cover of Sports Illustrated s November 2019 edition. During his Junior year, Bates transferred to Ypsi Prep Academy, a school run by his father. He went on to be named Naismith Prep Player of the Year. Bates was reclassified and decided to go straight into college after his junior year.
Emoni Bates rise from the trenches to the top
Following his excellent high school journey, the former five-star recruit committed to Memphis University. Before committing to Memphis, he accepted Michigan State and reconsidered joining them. However, his first-year college playing for Penny Hardaway s Tigers was a bust. He ended up getting injured as well. The following year, he shifted to Eastern Michigan University.
Emoni Bates is declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, per @ShamsCharania
Bates was the top HS recruit of his class and averaged 19.2 points this season @brhoops pic.twitter.com/OmQTY5lcVZ
Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 24, 2023
There heaveraged19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Late in 2022, his basketball career was put to a standstill after he was booked on gun charges. He pleaded guilty after which his charges were dropped. His debut finally happened in November against Michigan State. But Bates would go on to show his true colors to the world.
Very recently, he declared for theNBA2023 Draft. He could not participate early because of his age. Emoni Bates bypassed an entire year of school and committed to college. He was certainly a very good athlete and still has the potential to be an A-class NBA player. To be compared to LeBron James is an honor not many receive. Bates will most likely be selected during the later picks or the second round as he has been off the radar for a while.
