IU makes Bates signing official

Four days after Tamar Bates made his verbal commitment to Indiana, the four-star guard signed his Big Ten Tender and officially joined IU’s program on Friday.

A former Texas signee, Bates sought a release from his agreement with the Longhorns last month when former UT coach Shaka Smart left the school to take the vacant job at Marquette. At the time of his commitment to Texas last August, the 6-foot-5, 180-pound Kansas native held offers from Alabama, Creighton, Iowa State, Kansas, Missouri and Oregon, among others.

At IMG Academy last season, Bates averaged 11.4 points and shot 40% from 3-point range. Before heading to the prep powerhouse in Bradenton, Fla., Bates was recognized as the 2020…