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 the majority of Emoni Bates’ career, it was assumed the young superstar would go pro.