Tag: emoni bates

Former Michigan State basketball high profile commit Emoni Bates to transfer from Memphis

Emoni Bates is entering the transfer portal after a disappointing season with Memphis

The saga of Emoni Bates as a college basketball player continues. On Saturday, Joe Tipton of On3 Sports reported that Bates will transfer from Memphis after just one season.

Bates was originally a high profile recruit for Michigan State basketball before de-committing and joining Memphis. Bates was long considered to be one of the best NBA prospects in recent history, but after a disappointing season with Memphis, that has been in doubt, with some draft experts unsure if he’d even be a first round pick after questions have arisen around his athleticism and decision-making ability.

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Why Memphis used Emoni Bates in the NCAA Tournament after playing better without him

This was a surprising decision by Penny Hardaway, and it could have a massive impact on the 2023 NBA draft.

Memphis won its first-round game of the Men’s NCAA Tournament, but the bigger story is that highly recruited freshman Emoni Bates played in the game.

Once touted as the No. 1 overall prospect in his class, Bates had struggled while on the floor for Memphis. He averaged 10.4 points per game and had issues with efficiency. Then, he missed 12 straight games with a back injury.

In the games following his absence, Memphis was actually one of the best teams in the nation. After starting the season 11-8, the Tigers went on a 10-2 run once he was sidelined.

That is why it was particularly surprising that head coach Penny Hardaway didn’t rule out a potential return for Bates in the tournament.

He noted that Bates participated in practice for Memphis. Reporters observed that Bates showed “improved biomechanics” after the injury. After missing twelve consecutive games, he looked to have the necessary fluidity for game action.

It was a pretty big deal when Bates checked into the game; it was his first appearance on the court since Jan. 27.

Bates didn’t get much burn, but he did make the sole field goal attempt he took during the victory over Boise State. It was a beautiful 3-point shot that helped pad an early lead for his team.

The game ended with a victory, and Bates didn’t have a tremendous impact one way or another. But in a must-win game, it was definitely a risky move for Hardaway to put Bates on the floor.

Was it the right call for Hardaway to give Bates some minutes, even if was only a few?

Bates shot less than 30.0 percent from midrange even though a significant portion of his total field goal attempts were 2-point jump shots. Meanwhile, per Bart Torvik, his turnover percentage ranked as the ninth-worst among high-major freshmen.

On the defensive end of the floor, his opponents beat him for jumpers off the dribble far too often. Overall, Bates’ defensive box plus-minus ranked as the worst on the squad.

But let’s take a step back. Bates was born in 2004. There are old college basketball players in the NCAA tournament. Bates even has one teammate, Deandre Williams, who was born in 1996. So when considering the circumstances, Bates didn’t have a particularly easy task.

On the other hand, despite the success Memphis had in the win-loss column without Bates, the data from the on-court results looked fairly different.

In fact, statistics suggest the Tigers played better with Bates than without him. Memphis outscored its opponents by 16.7 points per 100 possessions when the freshman was on the floor, per Pivot Analysis, and 7.1 points per 100 when he is not.

Perhaps Memphis’ resurgence was because Williams returned from injury around the same time?

Bates is not eligible for the 2022 NBA draft, which means he will need another year of basketball before he is able to make the jump to the league. If he had not felt welcomed back by Hardaway, maybe Bates would have felt compelled to explore other options for next season.

Maybe he would have looked at the G League Ignite or maybe even move to Australia to play in the NBL’s Rising Stars program. He might still consider such opportunities — or he could take a look at the transfer portal.

However, Bates now knows what it feels like to be on the floor during a winning effort in March Madness. Additionally, he knows that Hardaway trusted him when it mattered most. Both are invaluable as he continues his basketball development.

If he gets more run in future games, and he plays well, it could have a massive impact on the 2023 NBA draft. It could also pave the way for him to return to Memphis.

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2022 NCAA Tournament: Boise State vs. Memphis Preview, How To Watch & More

2022 NCAA Tournament: Boise State vs. Memphis Preview The Broncos look for their first ever NCAA Tournament win against the Tigers. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Boise State’s first round draw is a rematch against 2021 NIT foes the Memphis …

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2022 NCAA Tournament: Boise State vs. Memphis Preview

The Broncos look for their first ever NCAA Tournament win against the Tigers. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Boise State’s first round draw is a rematch against 2021 NIT foes the Memphis Tigers. 

WHO: Boise State 27-7 (18-3, 1st in the MWC) vs. Memphis 21-10 (13-5, 3rd in the AAC)

WHEN: Thursday 17th, 11:45 AM MT/12:45 PM CT

WHERE: Portland, OR-Moda Center

TV:  TNT

STREAM: FuboTV – Get a free trial & March Madness Live

SERIES RECORD: Memphis leads all-time series 1-0

The 2021-2022 season brought a lot of firsts to the Boise State men’s basketball team. The Bronco program experienced their First Mountain West Freshman of the Year, first outright regular season championship and first conference tournament championship.

As impressive as that is, they also broke plenty of records as well. Including, the highest win total in a single season (27), the most conference wins ever (15), the most consecutive wins (14) and the highest AP top-25 ranking to end the year at No. 23. Mountain West Coach of the Year Leon Rice has certainly reached what he calls milestones for the program.

And as of last Sunday they can add highest seed ever received in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 8 selection. With that announcement they were also given their opponent in No. 9 seed Memphis Tigers. They’ll face off Thursday morning in Portland, Oregon inside the Moda Center.

This Mountain West conference season has been rough for most teams and absolutely entertaining for fans and those covering it alike. It feels like it’s battle hardened the Broncos. And although Memphis has players like none Boise State have faced this season, this team has shown it can handle adversity with the best of them and certainly have the Tigers’ coaching staff at the drawing boards just the same.

Both squads looked primed for their returns to the NCAA Tournament. The Broncos return for the first time since 2015. Winning 24 of their last 27 games played and as previously mentioned, shattering expectations while doing it.

While the Tigers make their first appearance since 2014. Head coach Penny Hardaway’s first since taking over his alma mater in 2018 and likely just at the right time. This program certainly turned around a season that began with a top-15 preseason ranking. Then proceeded by them possibly missing out on the big dance all together (9-8 on Jan. 20th) and ultimately into an at-large bid.

The Tigers won 14 of their last 16 games to close out the season and finish as runner ups in the American Athletic Conference Tournament in Fort Worth, TX on Sunday. Although they let a close game slip away and turn into an 18 point loss (71-53) to the Houston Cougars. A team they beat twice prior in the regular season to help get them that at-large bid.

Last Time Out

These two programs had never met on the hardwood before their 2021 National Invitational Tournament matchup in Denton, Texas. Although hard-fought, the Broncos couldn’t overcome a poor first half of ball security which resulted in a 59-56 Tiger win. Boise State was led by Serbian forward Mladen Armus in that one, with a team high 12 points, 7 rebounds & 2 blocks. Missing from that game is reigning Mountain West Tournament MVP, who sat out with a shoulder injury that would end his season.

Memphis was led by two players who are no longer with the program. As both Boogie Ellis (USC) & D.J. Jeffries (Mississippi State) chipped in a team high 11 points. This helped push the Tigers past Boise State, Mountain West member Colorado State and eventually winning the championship game in Frisco all together.

Players to Watch:

F-Abu Kigab Boise State

After his shoulder injury Kigab’s postseason ended this time last year. The 6-7 Canadian forward decided to return for his extra season of eligibility. Since, he has helped lead this Boise State squad to their first outright conference championship and anchoring one of the toughest defenses in the country.

The combo forward posted regular season averages of 14.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG 2.4 APG & 1.3 SPG. Earning Second-Team All-Mountain West honors along with a spot on the All-Defensive Team. Kigab added to the resume as a member of the All-MWC Tournament team and it’s MVP.

Kigab is all over the floor and makes his money taking tough defensive assignments, attacking the glass and getting to the free throw line while doing it. As the team’s leading scorer he doesn’t need to have the most points every game for Boise State to win, his contributions pile up elsewhere for his team to survive and advance.

C-Jalen Duren Memphis

Upon reclassifying from the 2022 high school class to the 2021 class and committing to Penny Hardaway at Memphis back in. Setting off a chain reaction which caused also just reclassified phenom Emoni Bates to eventual commit to the Tigers. Before his departure from national high school powerhouse Montverde Academy as a five-star recruit who also led Team USA U16 squad and captured gold medals in 2019.

Since then, Bates struggled to live up his once No. 1 NBA Draft Pick potential. And like plenty before him have spent time off the court due to injury. Duren on the other hand has been Memphis’ best player. Leading the Tigers to the American Athletic Conference Tournament Championship.

Duren is a big man in every sense of the label. His season averages of 12.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG & 2.2 BPG shooting 62.6% from the field in just 25.3 MPG earned him 1st-Team All-AAC, All-Freshman Team and AAC Freshman of the Year honors. Standing 6-11, 250 pounds the Sharon Hill, PA native does it all. Posterizing defenders, running the floor, blocking shots and making it look very effortlessly while doing so.

Bronco big man Mladen Armus needs to stay out of foul trouble in this one, as not many other players on the roster can battle down low with the projected NBA Draft Lottery pick this summer effectively.

Keys to the Game

For Boise State: A solid defensive showing, Limit Turnovers and knock down the three

Neutralizing an opposing team’s best player doesn’t always mean victory. And I don’t see Mladen Armus having a giant affect on Duren’s totals. and honestly Memphis doesn’t necessarily need his points to win the game. The Tigers average 75.4 PPG as a team (top-60 in the nation), but Duren is their leading scorer at just 12.2 a game. This team has four players averaging 10+ points a game, five if you count guard Landers Nolley II (9.9 PPG).

So limiting Duren’s touches on the offensive end may be pointless if his teammates are knocking them down. Also last time these two met, the Broncos committed 15 turnovers, 13 in the first half. Which was honestly the difference maker in their 3 point loss last time out. If Boise State can avoid turning the ball over and knock down open shots, they keep their Cinderella hopes alive.

For Memphis: Attack the rim, Utilize size and depth & Force Bronco Turnovers

With as much size, athleticism and raw talent that this Memphis team has, the advantages are easy to speak to. The Tigers like the Broncos win when they hold their opponents to a certain amount of points a game. For Memphis it’s 69.0 PPG and for Boise State it’s closer to 60.0 PPG. Both programs also tend to outrebound their opponents and top it all off with top notch defenses.

Memphis just has to utilize that aforementioned size, athleticism and professional talent (not to mention depth) better than Boise State to seal their victory. Although possibly the biggest question mark of the first round may be the return of Emoni Bates. Which is still up in the air at the moment, but he did travel with the team and took part in the team’s open practice this week, so anything is possible.

Prediction: 

KenPom ($) has the Tigers as the one point favorites in this one. Now that is a testament to just how close this game is to call, especially being a No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchup. In fact Memphis is ranked 28th in the KenPom rankings with Boise State right behind them at 29th.

So, this game will simply come down to who brought their A game to the Rose City and maybe who wants it more. Sure Memphis has the professional talent, recruiting stars and depth to put this one away. But the Broncos have performed as a motivated and tenacious unit this season. With a continually progressing leader in Kigab to help lead them to the second round of the tournament for the first time ever.

With the right set of circumstances I think the Broncos pull this one off. I mean they’ve already compiled a list of firsts this season (see above), why not add another?

Boise State 70, Memphis 69

Next Up

The winner of this one will advance to the Round of 32 to face either championship favorites and region No. 1 seed Gonzaga or No. 16 seed Georgia State. The Bulldogs face the Panthers at right after the Broncos and Memphis at 1:15 PM PT on TNT.

A weekend game against Gonzaga will pit the Broncos head coach vs. his former employer and mentor Mark Few. Rice left Spokane in 2011 for Boise State, after chipping in more than a decade to help make Gonzaga what it is today.

“Leaving Gonzaga was hard,” said Rice “It was family and it was like a divorce when I left.”

That contest will take place on Saturday March 19th in Portland, OR with the remaining details TBA at the moment.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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Report: Former MSU basketball commit Emoni Bates future in flux

Reports coming out about Emoni Bates and the uncertainty of his future

Emoni Bates was at one time one of the most anticipated commits in Michigan State basketball history. At the time, Bates was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 recruiting class and one was one of the highest-ranked recruits in the history of recruiting rankings. Ultimately, Bates de-committed from Michigan State and chose to go to the University of Memphis.

Memphis came into the 2021-22 season ranked as the No. 12 team in the nation and got as high as No. 9 before the wheels started to fall off the bus. Now, sitting at 11-8, there are a lot of questions to answer inside the Tigers program. One of those may be replacing Emoni Bates, as his future seems in flux. A report states that he will not play in the team’s upcoming game against Cincinnati and could be stepping away from the team.

So far this season, Bates is averaging 10.4 points per game on 38% shooting. It will be interesting to see what is in store for Bates’s future.

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Twitter reacts to Emoni Bates dropping 17 points in debut with Memphis

Bates dazzled in his debut with No. 12 Memphis on Tuesday to kick off his much-anticipated freshman campaign.

Five-star prospect Emoni Bates dazzled in his official collegiate debut with the No. 12 Memphis Tigers on Tuesday in a win over Tennessee Tech to kick off his much-anticipated freshman campaign.

Bates, who committed to Memphis in September after reclassifying, finished with a game-high 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal in 30 minutes of work in the 89-65 win. He went 6-of-9 from the field, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range.

The 17-year-old got his night started quickly, pulling up and draining a 3-pointer on the break just three minutes into the contest. He recorded 10 points alone in the first half, connecting on 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.

Bates did the majority of his work from behind the 3-point line but also found success driving into the paint and getting others involved. He flashed that smooth jump shot numerous times throughout the contest and looks to be a capable shooter at the college level.

The debut of Bates garnered quite a reaction on social media, with many weighing in on his opening-night performance. The effort even earned the praise of Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, who was on hand at the game at the FedEx Forum.

Bates is considered perhaps the top high school prospect in over a decade and has often been compared to Kevin Durant. His recruitment was highly publicized as he projects to have a tremendous impact at the next level at Memphis.

Because he will not turn 19 until January, Bates will not be eligible for the NBA draft next year. He needs to spend at least two seasons in college prior to entering the draft in 2023.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Emoni Bates measures in with negative wingspan at Memphis pro day

Bates recorded some rather underwhelming measurements on Wednesday in front of NBA teams.

On Wednesday, the Memphis Tigers hosted a pro day at their practice facility and gave NBA teams the opportunity to scout the likes of Emoni Bates, Jalen Duren and several other players.

Bates and Duren were the center of attention during the event as they were both top-five recruits coming into the season, and will eventually be high draft picks. Teams had the chance to see how each player measured in, from wingspans to vertical jumps.

Unfortunately, Bates recorded some rather underwhelming measurements.

Bates weighed in at 190 pounds, while he measured in at 6-foot-9 in shoes. He recorded a negative wingspan at 6-foot-7.25 inches, a surprisingly short mark considering his height. His vertical jump of 24.5 inches also didn’t stand out amongst his peers.

On the other hand, Duren measured in at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-5.25 wingspan. He also cleared 30.5 inches on his vertical jump and 37 inches on the approach vertical jump, both impressive marks considering his 250-pound frame.

The players also had the opportunity to take part in shooting drills and scrimmages. The open practice gave players the chance to showcase their skillsets in front of scouts and executives from every NBA team ahead of the 2021-22 season.

The disappointing measurements by Bates likely will be taken with a grain of salt as he still has ample time to improve across the board. He is considered perhaps the top high school prospect in over a decade and has often been compared to Kevin Durant.

Bates will not be eligible for the NBA draft until 2023.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Emoni Bates’ underwhelming measurements at Memphis’ pro day surprised NBA fans

A negative wingspan?!

For many who have followed Emoni Bates’ high school career, it was always going to be a surprise to see Bates step foot on a college campus. Bates, a 17-year-old from Michigan, had initially committed to Michigan State when the Spartans were the only team to recruit the basketball phenom.

But in a surprise move — and likely bolstered by the new NIL rules — Bates de-committed from Michigan State, reclassified into the 2021 class and opted to join Penny Hardaway at Memphis this season. Because Bates won’t be 19 until 2023, he’ll have to wait two seasons before he can play in the NBA. It might mean one season at Memphis, one in the G League or overseas — or hey, he might spend two years in college now that he can profit from it.

Still, the hype around Bates did follow a usual pattern for a young prospect. Early in his high school career, Bates was considered a generational prospect, but his development stalled a bit. His measurements at Memphis’ pro day also offered an explanation for why NBA Draft experts have cooled on Bates.

Memphis Tigers to host pro day for NBA teams featuring Duren, Bates

The pro day will mirror that of an NBA pre-draft workout with measurements, athletic testing, shooting drills and scrimmages.

Penny Hardaway and the Memphis Tigers will be reportedly hosting a pro day and open practice for NBA teams next month to scout projected lottery picks Jalen Duren, Emoni Bates and others.

The pro day will take place at the Tigers’ practice facility on Oct. 6 with the open practice set to happen the following day, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. The event will mirror that of an NBA pre-draft workout with measurements, athletic testing, shooting drills and scrimmages.

Memphis previously conducted a pro day two years ago with eventual first-round picks James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa. The event garnered around 70 executives and scouts in attendance to see the Tigers’ roster up close on the court.

Duren and Bates will be the center of attention this year as the two players each project to be future high draft picks. Duren will be eligible to be drafted next year, and is considered to be a potential top-five pick, while Bates can enter the draft in 2023.

In addition to Duren and Bates, Tigers players Earl Timberlake, Lester Quinones, DeAndre Williams and Landers Nolley II will also be in attendance at the pro day.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Ja Morant reacts to Emoni Bates committing to Memphis Tigers

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant welcomed Bates to Memphis with open arms this week after he committed to the program.

On Wednesday, five-star prospect Emoni Bates announced that he will be playing next season for head coach Penny Hardaway and the Memphis Tigers.

Bates chose Memphis over Michigan State, Oregon and the NBA G League Ignite. The decision to play with the program figures to make the Tigers a favorite to win the American Athletic Conference and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

With Bates set to join the Tigers next season, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant welcomed him to the city with open arms. Morant has often kept up with the Tigers since getting drafted by the Grizzlies two years ago and shows love when he can.

Bates is considered perhaps the top high school prospect in over a decade and has often been compared to Kevin Durant. His recruitment has been highly publicized as he projects to have a tremendous impact at the next level at Memphis.

Because he will not turn 19 until January 2023, Bates will not be eligible for the NBA draft next year. He would need to spend at least two seasons in college prior to entering the draft in 2023.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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