Emoni Bates
Emoni Bates (born January 28, 2004) is an American professional basketball player positioned as a small forward, renowned as one of the most hyped high school prospects in recent history.[1] Standing at 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) and weighing 200 lb (91 kg), he gained national attention for his scoring prowess and was the first sophomore to win the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award in 2020.[2] After a college career split between the Memphis Tigers and Eastern Michigan Eagles, Bates was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 49th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.[1] As of November 2025, he holds an Exhibit 10 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and is expected to play for their NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, during the 2025-26 season.[3] Bates was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and developed his basketball skills from a young age, training under his father, Emoni Bates Sr., a former player.[1] As a freshman at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, he led the team to its first state championship in 2019, averaging 28.5 points per game.[4] In his sophomore year, Bates exploded offensively, posting averages of 32.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, earning him the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season and the national honor as the top high school player.[5] He reclassified from the class of 2022 to 2021 to accelerate his path to college, transferring to Ypsilanti Preparatory School Academy, where he continued to dominate with elite shooting range and versatility, solidifying his status as a consensus five-star recruit and projected lottery pick.[6] In his freshman college season at the University of Memphis in 2021-22, Bates appeared in 18 games off the bench, averaging 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 38.6% from three-point range, though injuries limited his impact.[1] Transferring to Eastern Michigan University for the 2022-23 season, he emerged as a star starter, leading the team with 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game across 30 appearances, earning All-Mid-American Conference Third Team honors and helping the Eagles to a 16-16 record.[7] His improved efficiency and scoring volume at the mid-major level showcased his potential as a perimeter threat, setting the stage for his professional transition.[1] Bates signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers following the 2023 draft, splitting time between the NBA and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.[2] In 25 NBA games over his first two seasons (2023-25), he averaged 3.1 points in 8.3 minutes per game, with career highs including 9 points twice in 2023-24.[1] In the G League, he excelled more prominently, averaging 21.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 2023-24 and 18.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 2024-25, highlighted by a 38-point performance and selection to the G League Next Up Game.[2] After becoming a free agent in the 2025 offseason, Bates joined the 76ers on an Exhibit 10 deal in September 2025, providing another opportunity to develop in the G League while aiming for an NBA roster spot.[8]Early life and youth career
Family background and early development
Emoni Bates was born on January 28, 2004, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.[1] He is the son of Elgin "E.J." Bates and Edith Bates, both of whom played influential roles in his upbringing and athletic development.[2] The Bates family hails from a basketball-oriented background, with Emoni's father having competed at the collegiate level for Kentucky Wesleyan College in Division II before embarking on a five-year professional career overseas.[2] Elgin Bates, recognizing his son's early affinity for the sport, became his primary coach and mentor, instilling a rigorous work ethic from the outset.[9] Bates' introduction to basketball occurred during his elementary school years, with his father guiding him through foundational skills and increasingly advanced drills. By fourth grade, at around age 8, Bates was participating in his first organized games in a local recreational league in Saline, Michigan, where he quickly demonstrated prodigious talent by scoring 26 points in a championship contest.[9] Elgin Bates emphasized competitive intensity in training sessions, often exposing Emoni to college-level exercises to build physical and mental resilience, such as shooting drills and one-on-one matchups that simulated higher competition.[9] This personalized regimen, conducted in local gyms and outdoor courts, focused on fundamentals like ball-handling, shooting form, and footwork, helping Bates develop a smooth jumper and versatile skill set early on.[9] The family settled in the nearby Ypsilanti area shortly after Bates' birth, drawn by the proximity to strong youth basketball programs and facilities in southeastern Michigan.[10] This location provided access to competitive local leagues and recreational opportunities, allowing Bates to hone his abilities against older and more experienced players before transitioning to structured AAU circuits.[9]AAU basketball and initial recognition
Bates joined the Toledo Wildcats AAU team in 2016 at the age of 12, where his father, E.J. Bates, served as coach.[11] During a tournament in Chicago that year, he scored 30 points in his debut game, helping elevate the team's profile and earning early YouTube buzz as a young talent with impressive dunks, crossovers, and long-range shooting.[12] The Wildcats went on to win the King James Classic in Akron, securing a No. 1 national ranking for their age group and marking Bates' initial surge in competitive youth basketball.[12] In 2017, as a 13-year-old playing in Under-13 tournaments, Bates transitioned to the Bates Fundamentals AAU team and continued to dominate older competition.[13] Standout performances included 36 points and 15 rebounds against OBC Ohio Basketball Club at the Under Armour Association event, and 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists against Team Teague (Indiana Elite) in the Adidas Gauntlet series.[13] His team finished the season 26-4, winning six of eight tournaments while often facing eighth- and ninth-graders, with Bates averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds per game.[13] These exploits drew Bates' first widespread media coverage in outlets like the Detroit Free Press and MLive, where he was hailed as potentially the top seventh-grade player in the U.S.[10][13] Recruiting services such as Future150 ranked him No. 1 nationally in his class, and his highlight videos amassed nearly a million views on YouTube, sparking comparisons to basketball prodigies like LeBron James for his precocious skill set and physical tools.[13][14]High school career
Freshman season (2018–19)
Bates enrolled at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, as a freshman in the fall of 2018, marking the start of his highly anticipated high school career after dominating in AAU circuits. His prior youth basketball experience provided a strong foundation, enabling a smooth transition to varsity play. In his debut on November 26, 2018, at the Ypsilanti Tip-Off Classic, Bates exploded for 32 points and 15 rebounds, powering the Railsplitters to an 80–69 victory over Ann Arbor Huron.[15] Throughout the 2018–19 season, Bates established himself as a dominant force, averaging 28.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc.[16] His scoring versatility, combining smooth jumpers, drives to the rim, and defensive presence, overwhelmed opponents and elevated Lincoln's performance, resulting in a 23–4 regular-season record. Bates' ability to control both ends of the court made him the focal point of the team's offense and a key rim protector. Bates led the Railsplitters to their first-ever Michigan Division 1 state championship, culminating in a dramatic 68–67 buzzer-beater win over University of Detroit Jesuit in the final on March 16, 2019, where he contributed 23 points despite heavy defensive attention.[17] His tournament performance earned him most outstanding player honors. For his outstanding freshman campaign, Bates was selected to the All-State first team and received major accolades, including Michigan Associated Press Division 1 Player of the Year, Gatorade Michigan Boys Basketball Player of the Year, and MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year.[18][19][16]Sophomore season (2019–20)
Bates entered his sophomore season at Lincoln High School as the defending Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year, building on the state championship success from his freshman year. He quickly elevated his performance, averaging 33.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while leading the Railsplitters to a 19-3 record. These figures underscored his versatility as a 6-foot-9 forward capable of dominating on both ends of the court, with improved shooting efficiency from beyond the arc.[20][21][22] His standout performances in key matchups highlighted his scoring prowess against top competition. In a February 2020 rivalry game against Ypsilanti High School, Bates erupted for 40 points, powering Lincoln to a 66-60 overtime victory despite intense defensive pressure. Earlier that month, he tallied 42 points in just three quarters during a 100-57 rout of Tecumseh, showcasing his ability to overwhelm opponents with a mix of mid-range jumpers, drives, and transition plays. These games exemplified Bates' role as the focal point of Lincoln's offense, often drawing double-teams yet still generating efficient scoring opportunities.[23][24] Bates' dominance earned him the 2019-20 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award, making him the first sophomore ever to receive the honor. This accolade recognized not only his statistical output but also his leadership in guiding Lincoln to a strong regular season finish. However, the season's momentum was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which cut short postseason play and limited further national exposure after March 2020, preventing potential deeper tournament runs.[5][4][25]Junior season and transfer (2020–21)
In June 2020, following his nationally recognized sophomore season at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School, Emoni Bates transferred to Ypsi Prep Academy, a newly founded prep school in Ypsilanti, Michigan, established by his father, Elgin Bates.[26] The move was motivated by the desire to compete against elite national talent at other prep programs, enhancing his development and exposure ahead of college basketball.[27] Bates' junior season at Ypsi Prep was marked by strong individual performances amid significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. He averaged 24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across a limited schedule of approximately 10 contests, leading his team to a 7–3 record.[28] The pandemic caused multiple game postponements, including a highly anticipated matchup against Sierra Canyon High School, resulting in an abbreviated season that restricted opportunities for consistent play.[29] In August 2021, Bates reclassified from the high school class of 2022 to the class of 2021, accelerating his path to college eligibility by one year and allowing him to enroll for the 2021–22 season.[30] This decision navigated ongoing challenges, including heightened scrutiny over his academic progress at the new prep school and NBA draft eligibility rules requiring players to be at least 19 years old and one year removed from high school graduation.[31] The reclassification positioned Bates to advance his professional trajectory despite the uncertainties posed by the pandemic's impact on high school basketball.[32]Recruiting process
Bates emerged as one of the most coveted high school basketball prospects in the country, drawing widespread attention through his standout performances in AAU circuits with the Oakland Soldiers and later Team Final, where he showcased elite scoring ability and shooting range that elevated his national profile.[33] His play during these tournaments, combined with dominant high school showings, positioned him as a "once-in-a-generation" talent, a label frequently applied by scouts and media outlets due to his precocious skill set at a young age.[34][35] Initially part of the 2022 recruiting class, Bates committed to Michigan State on June 29, 2020, becoming the top-rated prospect in the nation according to ESPN and the first No. 1 overall recruit to pledge to the Spartans.[33] He received scholarship offers from numerous elite programs, including Duke and Kentucky, which actively pursued him early in his recruitment based on his AAU dominance.[36][37] However, on April 30, 2021, Bates decommitted from Michigan State, reopening his recruitment amid considerations of professional options like the G League or overseas play.[38] In early August 2021, Bates announced his reclassification to the 2021 class, accelerating his timeline to enter college that fall and solidifying his status as a top prospect after a junior season at Ypsilanti Prep that featured prolific scoring.[30] Following the move, ESPN ranked him No. 3 overall in the 2021 class, while 247Sports placed him at No. 4.[39][40] He narrowed his list to finalists including Michigan State, Oregon, and Memphis before taking official visits to Memphis and Oregon in mid-August 2021.[41] On August 25, 2021, Bates committed to Memphis, citing the program's fit with his development goals and the presence of fellow recruit Jalen Duren from his AAU team.[39] This pledge helped Memphis secure the No. 1 recruiting class for 2021.College career
Memphis Tigers (2021–22)
Bates, who had reclassified from the class of 2022 to join the 2021 recruiting cycle, committed to Memphis in August 2021 under head coach Penny Hardaway, marking a high-profile addition to the Tigers' roster following his standout high school career.[39] He enrolled at the University of Memphis ahead of the 2021–22 season, positioning himself for an immediate role on a team bolstered by fellow top recruit Jalen Duren.[42] Bates made his collegiate debut on November 9, 2021, against Tennessee Tech, where he scored 17 points on efficient 3-of-4 shooting, including two three-pointers, while adding four rebounds and four assists in an 89–65 victory.[43] Over the course of the season, he appeared in 18 games, primarily coming off the bench, and averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 38.6% from the field and 32.9% from three-point range.[44] His season was interrupted by injuries, including a finger injury in December 2021 and a lower back injury in late January 2022, causing him to miss 12 games, including the conference tournament, but he returned for the NCAA Tournament.[45] The Tigers, seeded third in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), advanced to the conference tournament championship without Bates, with victories over UCF (85–69) in the quarterfinals and SMU (70–56) in the semifinals, highlighted by strong team defense and contributions from Duren, before falling to top-seeded Houston 71–53 in the title game.[46] Bates then played limited minutes in the NCAA Tournament, totaling eight points across two games, as Memphis defeated Boise State 64–53 in the first round before losing to Gonzaga 85–66 in the second round.[47] Following the conclusion of the Tigers' season, Bates announced on April 16, 2022, that he would enter the NCAA transfer portal, seeking a new program after one year in Memphis.[48]Eastern Michigan Eagles (2022–23)
Following a freshman season at Memphis marked by limited playing time, Emoni Bates entered the NCAA transfer portal in April 2022 and committed to his hometown program, Eastern Michigan, in late June, with the transfer becoming official in August.[49][50][51] As a sophomore, Bates received immediate eligibility and quickly became the Eagles' focal point offensively, starting 29 of 30 games and leading the team in scoring.[7] Bates averaged 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while shooting 40.5% from the field and 33.0% from three-point range across 1,005 total minutes.[52] His efficiency improved in high-volume situations, as he led the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in usage percentage at 31.1%, reflecting his role as the primary shot creator on a squad that struggled overall with an 8-23 record and a 5-13 mark in conference play.[52][53] The season highlighted Bates' scoring versatility and growth, with standout performances including four games of 30 or more points: 30 against No. 22 Michigan in his debut, 36 at South Carolina, a career-high 43 at Toledo (including 29 straight points in the second half), and 35 at Ball State.[54][55][56] These efforts earned him third-team All-MAC honors as the only Eagles player recognized by the conference.[57][58] Bates' sophomore campaign represented a personal resurgence, allowing the former top recruit to reclaim a starring role after inconsistent minutes at Memphis and build confidence through increased responsibility, setting the stage for his professional transition.[58][59]Professional career
2023 NBA draft and rookie season
Following his sophomore season at Eastern Michigan University, where he earned All-MAC Third Team honors for averaging 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, forward Emoni Bates declared for the 2023 NBA draft on April 24, 2023.[60][61] Bates, a former five-star recruit once considered a potential top lottery pick, had slipped in draft projections due to inconsistent college production but remained viewed as a high-upside developmental prospect.[62] In the second round of the 2023 NBA draft held on June 22, Bates was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 49th overall pick.[62] The Cavaliers, seeking versatile wing depth for their rebuilding roster, targeted Bates for his 6-foot-9 frame, shooting range, and athletic potential despite concerns over his efficiency and decision-making.[63] On July 7, 2023, Bates signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.[64] This arrangement was designed to facilitate his transition to professional basketball by providing ample playing opportunities for skill refinement.[65] During the 2023-24 NBA regular season, Bates appeared in 15 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 2.7 points per game on 30.6% field goal shooting in limited minutes off the bench.[1] His role was primarily as a spot-up shooter and occasional defender, reflecting the team's cautious approach to integrating the raw talent into a competitive rotation.[66] Bates spent the majority of his rookie year with the Cleveland Charge, where he focused on development and showcased improved scoring aggression. In his G League debut on November 10, 2023, he tallied 29 points, including 7-of-12 from three-point range, highlighting his volume shooting ability.[67] Throughout the season, Bates demonstrated growth in handling physicality and creating off the dribble, though efficiency remained a work in progress as he adjusted to pro-level defenses.[68]Cleveland Cavaliers and Charge (2023–25)
On August 20, 2024, Bates signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.[69][70] In the 2024–25 NBA season, Bates appeared in 10 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 3.7 points per game while shooting 34.2% from the field.[1] During the 2023–24 G League season with the Charge, Bates averaged 19.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game across 17 appearances, showcasing his scoring ability with standout performances such as 38 points against the Grand Rapids Gold on February 3, 2024.[71][72] Bates continued his development with the Charge in the 2024–25 G League season after recovering from knee surgery, averaging 18.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over 20 contests.[71] On October 7, 2024, Bates underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, causing him to miss the early portion of the season.[73] He made his return on April 13, 2025, scoring a career-high 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including 7-of-15 from three-point range, in the Cavaliers' 126–118 double-overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers.[74] In the summer of 2025, the Cavaliers declined to tender Bates a two-way qualifying offer on June 30, making him an unrestricted free agent.[75][76]Philadelphia 76ers and Blue Coats (2025–present)
On September 22, 2025, Emoni Bates signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, providing him an opportunity to compete in training camp and potentially earn a spot on the roster or a two-way deal.[77][78] This non-guaranteed agreement allowed Bates to join the team ahead of the 2025–26 preseason, marking a fresh start after his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.[79] Following the 76ers' signing of MarJon Beauchamp to another Exhibit 10 deal, Bates was waived by the team on October 14, 2025.[80] He was subsequently allocated to the Delaware Blue Coats on October 24, 2025, and has joined the team for the 2025–26 G League season, though he missed a game on November 9, 2025, due to knee soreness.[81][82] His limited NBA playing time in the prior season stemmed in part from recovery following knee surgery in October 2024.[73] At the 76ers' media day on September 26, 2025, the 21-year-old Bates shared his expectations for the upcoming G League campaign, emphasizing a focus on consistent effort and personal growth.[83] "Really just trying to show myself that I play at a high level, and help this team in whichever way I need to," Bates stated, adding that he aims to "go out there and give 110% every day... and be the best version of myself."[8] He highlighted his determination to prove his potential after early career challenges, expressing optimism about earning an NBA call-up through strong performances with the Blue Coats.[83] Listed at 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) and 197 pounds (89 kg), Bates brings a versatile skill set to the 76ers organization, particularly underscoring his shooting prowess and ability to handle the ball while defending multiple positions.[84][8] In comments, he noted his length and capacity to "dribble and shoot tough shots," positioning himself as a developmental wing with upside for the 2025–26 season.[8][83]Career statistics
College
Emoni Bates played college basketball for two seasons, starting as a freshman at the University of Memphis in 2021–22 before transferring to Eastern Michigan University for his sophomore year in 2022–23. His debut season was curtailed by injuries, including an early finger issue and a lower back injury that sidelined him for the final nine regular-season games and the conference tournament, resulting in just 18 appearances.[7] At Eastern Michigan, Bates assumed a starring role, starting 29 of 30 games and serving as the Eagles' primary offensive option.[52] During his freshman year at Memphis, Bates averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game across 23.4 minutes of play.[52] He shot 38.6% from the field on 8.5 attempts and 32.9% from three-point range on 4.2 attempts, while converting 64.6% of his free throws.[52] Bates' advanced statistics reflected his developing role, with a player efficiency rating (PER) of 10.3— a metric that summarizes per-minute productivity standardized to an average of 15.0 across the league—and a usage rate (USG%) of 24.7%, meaning he accounted for roughly a quarter of Memphis' plays during his court time.[52] His true shooting percentage (TS%) stood at 49.5%, indicating moderate efficiency considering his shot volume.[52]| Season | School | GP | GS | MPG | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Memphis | 18 | 13 | 23.4 | 3.3 | 8.5 | .386 | 1.4 | 4.2 | .329 | 1.7 | 2.7 | .646 | 0.8 | 2.4 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 9.7 |
| Season | School | GP | GS | MPG | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Eastern Michigan | 30 | 29 | 33.8 | 6.4 | 15.9 | .405 | 2.5 | 7.7 | .330 | 3.8 | 4.9 | .782 | 0.7 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 19.2 |
NBA
Bates made his NBA debut during the 2023–24 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-way contract, appearing in limited regular-season action across his first two professional seasons.[85][1] He has not appeared in any NBA playoff games as of the 2025–26 season.[1]2023–24 Season (Cleveland Cavaliers)
| Games Played (GP) | Minutes Per Game (MPG) | Points Per Game (PPG) | Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | Assists Per Game (APG) | Field Goal % (FG%) | Three-Point % (3P%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 8.9 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.7 | .306 | .303 |
2024–25 Season (Cleveland Cavaliers)
| Games Played (GP) | Minutes Per Game (MPG) | Points Per Game (PPG) | Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | Assists Per Game (APG) | Field Goal % (FG%) | Three-Point % (3P%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7.5 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | .342 | .367 |
Career Averages (NBA Regular Season)
| Games Played (GP) | Minutes Per Game (MPG) | Points Per Game (PPG) | Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | Assists Per Game (APG) | Field Goal % (FG%) | Three-Point % (3P%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 8.3 | 3.1 | 0.8 | 0.7 | .322 | .333 |