2021 5-star forward Emoni Bates commits to Memphis

Emoni Bates, a 6-foot-9 small forward, has committed to Memphis basketball for the class of 2021, sources told On3.

Bates is the Tigers’ sixth commitment of the class, following Josh Minott, Sam Ayomide, John Camden, Johnathan Lawson and Jalen Duren. Memphis also landed three transfers this off-season. Oregon’s Chandler Lawson, Iowa State’s Tyler Harris, and Miami’s Earl Timberlake all joined the roster.

The Tigers will have nine newcomers this year.

Bates, the Ypsilanti (Mich.) Ypsi Prep Academy star native, chose the Tigers over the NBA G-League, Oregon, and Michigan State, where he was originally committed.

NIL changed everything for Emoni Bates

For the majority of Emoni Bates’ career, it was assumed the young superstar would go pro. Bates committed to Michigan State in June of 2020 and the Spartans were one of the only schools recruiting him.

College coaches didn’t want to waste time recruiting a kid who was going to bypass school anyways. But they had good reason to believe what they did.

Bates has been in the public spotlight for years. Analysts said he was the best high school prospect since LeBron James.

Sports Illustrated plastered him on the cover of its magazine with the title: “Emoni Bates: Born For This: Magic, Michael, LeBron… And the 15-Year-Old Who’s Next in Line.” He even drew comparisons to Kevin Durant by age 16.

One can only imagine the pressure Bates was under to live up to the hype. But doesn’t all of this sound like a player that would forgo college and choose the professional route?

Well, it might’ve been the case beforehand, but the college game has shifted significantly with the NCAA recently passing legislation that allowed players to profit off of their name, image and likeness.

It’s no secret that Bates and Duren would’ve likely chosen the pro route if it wasn’t for NIL. Thanks to the NCAA, we will get to see the dynamic duo of Bates and Duren together at Memphis, even if it is for only one year.

But wait, maybe we’ll see Bates play an additional year for Memphis coach Penny Hardaway?

Bates ineligible for upcoming NBA draft

The NBA requires a player to be at least 19 years of age to be eligible for the draft. Bates will not turn 19 until January of 2023. That means Bates will have to complete two seasons at Memphis. He’ll have to do that or after his freshman year join the NBA G-League or another other option.

Bates’ father told Jeff Goodman of Stadium that, “Whatever decision he makes, it’ll be a one-year plan and then he’ll re-evaluate everything after the year.”