What Emoni Bates' Commitment Means for Memphis Basketball: The And 1 Show with KJ & Joe

On Wednesday of August 25th, the basketball world exploded as Emoni Bates announced his commitment to Memphis. The newly reclassified forward will join big-man Jalen Duren and coach Penny Hardaway with the goal of bringing a championship back to the 901.

Tuesday night, Bates’ father posted an Instagram claiming his son was going to make his commitment at a Friday night party with close family and friends. But this was just a distraction so Bates could surprise the media Wednesday night.

Bates’ father said on Instagram… “Now there’s nothing to leak! It’s unfortunate a kid can’t have a moment to himself without people trying to ruin it! No such thing as a surprise the thirst for first is ridiculous! Who’s moment is it? Let me know what the sources say.”

It is safe to say that Emoni’s “early” announcement was planned by the Bates family so he could enjoy the element of surprise on his decision.

The last time Memphis made the tournament was in 2014 but with Emoni Bates’ commitment and the addition of transfers and a loaded freshman class, Memphis is setting its eyes on a high seeded entrance to the tournament. Memphis also added former NBA champion, Rasheed Wallace, to the coaching staff last week. Wallace will help Duren develop into an NBA-ready big and instill the same grit he played with during his time in Detriot.

According to Joe Tipton (@Tipton.Edits) and other credible sources, the plan in Memphis is for Emoni to play the role of a point guard. At 6’9″ – 200 pounds, Bates will be a defensive nightmare for opposing teams’ coaches if he can handle the ball under pressure at the next level. It is important to note that Bates will be one of the youngest players in college basketball. He will not turn 18 until January of next year.

Memphis is set to have a massive starting lineup with the shortest player being 6’6″. It appears that coach Hardaway will be trying to replicate his Orlando Magic 90s team with Emoni playing the role of prime Penny and Duren acting as Shaq. It will be interesting to see how the two young stars handle the pressure of every college basketball eyeball looking at them.

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