Transferring to Eastern Michigan Bates announced Wednesday that he has committed to Eastern Michigan, joining the program as a transfer from Memphis, Joe Tipton of On3.com reports. Impact Eastern Michigan isn't a traditional landing spot for a consensus five-star recruit one year removed from high school, but it's likely a comfortable one for Bates, who grew up near campus in Ypsilanti, Mich. The 6-foot-9 forward had a disappointing freshman year at Memphis, averaging 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 three-pointers and 1.3 assists in 23.3 minutes per game while shooting 38.6 percent from the field over 18 appearances. He missed the entire month of February and half of March due to a back injury before returning for the NCAA tournament, so he should be in optimal health heading into the 2022-23 campaign. He should be the centerpiece for the Eagles during the upcoming season and will look to put himself back on the radar as a potential lottery selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.
JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE