Memphis transfer Emoni Bates names top 6 schools

Just over two weeks ago, Emoni Bates made headlines when he announced that he would be transferring from Memphis.

“I’d like to thank Coach Penny, my teammates, and the entire coaching staff at the University of Memphis for giving me the opportunity to be a Tiger. Thank you Tiger Nation for embracing me and all of you who supported our team throughout this season. With that being said, I have decided to enter the transfer portal,” Bates said in a statement to On3.

After receiving interest from double-digit programs, the former No. 1 overall recruit tells On3 he has narrowed his focus to six schools, in no particular order: Michigan, Arkansas, Seton Hall, DePaul, Louisville, and Eastern Michigan.

Before cutting it down, Bates also garnered interest from Georgetown, Kansas, Oregon, Illinois, Oklahoma State, Butler, Washington State, and others.

The 6-foot-9 small forward averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists as a freshman last season for the Tigers. Bates missed the entire month of February and over half of March due to a back injury.

Bates long held the crown as the No. 1 player in the class of 2022, before reclassifying and heading to Memphis a year early as a 17-year-old.

*Exclusive Interview*

For an exclusive conversation and interview with Emoni Bates, click the link below (On3+).

Memphis transfer Emoni Bates talks top 6, pro route, and timeline

In the interview, Bates breaks down each of his top six schools and discusses the following topics:

• Going through the recruitment process again
• What he’s looking for in his future school
• The pro route
• A timetable for a decision
• His relationship with Michigan head coach Juwan Howard
• His relationship with Louisville head coach Kenny Payne
• The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry
• His thoughts on Arkansas, Seton Hall, and DePaul
• What it would be like to transfer back home to Eastern Michigan

BREAKING: Emoni Bates will transfer from Memphis, he told @On3sports.

Story: https://t.co/nDLKjAw8tD pic.twitter.com/4VU6fNrQoE

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 16, 2022