Emoni Bates is done playing for Penny Hardaway and the Memphis Tigers.
The former five-star recruit is making a significant change to his basketball future.
On Saturday, Bates told On3 that he intends to enter into the NCAA transfer portal.
“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. 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,” Bates said in a statement to On3.
BREAKING: Emoni Bates will transfer from Memphis, he told @On3sports.
Story: https://t.co/nDLKjAw8tD pic.twitter.com/4VU6fNrQoE
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 16, 2022
Emoni Bates has a high ceiling, but that didn’t translate to immediate success at Memphis. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game this last season. He missed much of the season with a back injury.
Can Bates revive his basketball career elsewhere next season?
“A very very talented player in Bates, where does he go to turn is basketball career around?”
A very very talented player in Bates, where does he go to turn is basketball career around? #iesportsradio #NBA #CollegeBasketball #transferportal https://t.co/ASLxORg3mJ
— Fast Break (@FastBreakIESR) April 16, 2022
“At one time considered a can’t-miss NBA prospect. Could still regain that status, but he wasn’t ready for a starring role last season. Too young, too thin.”
At one time considered a can’t-miss NBA prospect. Could still regain that status, but he wasn’t ready for a starring role last season. Too young, too thin. https://t.co/dGShba4LPc
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) April 16, 2022
Bates was considering both Michigan State and Oregon before he committed to Memphis last year. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not the Ducks and Spartans get involved again.
“Former 5-star forward Emoni Bates has entered the transfer portal. Bates had Oregon in his final three schools, along with Michigan State, prior to committing to Memphis.”
Former 5-star forward Emoni Bates has entered the transfer portal. Bates had Oregon in his final three schools, along with Michigan State, prior to committing to Memphis https://t.co/MAhGmIOKdT
— Dylan Reubenking (@drksportsnews) April 16, 2022
Bates has the talent to be a college basketball star, but it’ll come down to his progression this offseason and the overall fit with his new team.
Where will Bates be playing next season?
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