BOOOOOOOOOM.
Number one high school basketball prospect–regardless of class–Emoni Bates has committed to Michigan State University.
Bates appeared on ESPN’s 1:00 p.m. Sportscenter to announce the decision. He also talked about the forming of Ypsi Prep Academy specifically for high level basketball recruits.
Bates also told anchors Jay Harris and Hannah Storm that he wasn’t sure what his future would be holding, indicating that a professional route could still be in the cards.
Rumors had been circling earlier in the day that Bates would be announcing his intention to reclassify to 2021 and committing to Michigan State on his Sportscenter appearance. Bates made no indication that he would be reclassifying. During the interview he cited MSU and Tom Izzo’s loyalty as reasons he committed to Michigan State.
When the recruiting communication period opened for class of 2022 recruits, Tom Izzo was the only coach to contact Bates. Many college coaches skipped recruiting the talented wing because it was seen as unlikely that he would ever spend a year in college. Bates has been considered the top high school prospect regardless of class since he entered high school. He is thought of by many analysts as the best high school prospect since either Kevin Durant or LeBron James.
Bates led his Ypsilianti team to a state title as a freshman in 2019 while winning the Gatorade Player of the Year in Michigan. He followed that up by being the first sophomore to win the Gatorade National Player of the Year. He was named Michigan AP Division 1 Player of the Year and Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year for a second straight season. Bates averaged 32.3 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game in his second year of high school ball.
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