Earlier this offseason, former top recruit Emoni Bates announced his decision to transfer away from Memphis.
“I’d like to thank Coach Penny, my teammates, and the entire coaching staff at the University of Memphis for giving me the opportunity to be a Tiger,” Bates wrote. “Thank you Tiger Nation for embracing me and all of you who supported our team throughout this season. With that being said, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”
As many as 13 different college basketball programs showed interest in Bates at some point. However, his list appears to be narrowed down to just one program.
According to a report from 247Sports insider Travis Branham, the Louisville Cardinals are emerging as the favorite to land Bates.
“The one school in particular that I’m hearing right now is Louisville and coach Kenny Payne. It sounds like they’ve really made an impression on his family,” Branham said. “ … All the information right now is pointing in Louisville’s direction.”
Bates, a former five-star recruit, averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in his first year at Memphis.
Will he head to Louisville next?