Emoni Bates, widely regarded as one of the greatest HS men’s basketball talents in the country, has committed to play for the Memphis Tigers this fall.
Elgin Bates, Bates’ father, confirmed his son’s commitment to Memphis in an Instagram post. Bates reclassified from the 2022 class to the 2021 class earlier this year, and he will join the Tigers this fall. Due to his age, he will have to play in college for at least two years (or one year at Memphis and one year in the G League or another professional league) before entering the NBA.
“Next Chapter!” Elgin posted to Instagram. “Congrats son throughout all the adversity, scrutiny and expectations everything you’ve done has been unprecedented! This is your day and your moment. Continue to be (@emoni21) that’s what makes you unique. We love you son!”
Before deciding on Memphis, the 6’9, 17-year-old Bates explored Michigan State, Oregon, and the NBA’s G League. Prior to decommitting and reclassifying, he was committed to the Spartans.
Bates will play under former NBA player Penny Hardaway and another top recruit, 6’10 center Jalen Duren, at Memphis. Duren, like Bates, reclassified to the 2021 class after playing together in AAU over the summer.
