Emoni Bates Should Transfer from Memphis After This Season
Emoni Bates reclassifying and committing to play for Penny Hardaway at Memphis was a major headline before the 2021-22 season began. The former No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class had previously committed to Michigan State before opening his search back up and graduating early. His first season of college basketball has not been going as well as many expected. The Ypsilanti native is shooting 38.6% from the field and 32.9% from three. Flashes of his ability are certainly there, but this season has been a disappointment on the whole.
Memphis was the flashy, avant-garde option when Bates committed. However, it seems as though Penny Hardaway’s coaching prowess is limited to the politics of recruiting and does not extend to in-game decisions. Hardaway certainly has not helped Bates’ development as a player in any significant way. It’s pretty evident the 17-year-old needs work before he’s an NBA prospect who moves the needle. Per ShotQuality, Bates ranks in the 26th percentile in points per possession. His shot selection is comically terrible. If he had a good coach who was ironing out the bad habits he picked up in high school and AAU, perhaps scouts would not be cooling on him nearly as much.
Because he is not eligible until the 2023 NBA Draft, Bates has another season of basketball ahead of him before he attempts to jump to the NBA ranks. While he could remain at Memphis for his sophomore year, this season has made it clear that he should go elsewhere.
Where Should Emoni Bates Go?
Bates had other options on the table when he chose Memphis. Oregon, Michigan State, and pro pathways like the G League and Overtime Elite were all possibilities. Possibilities, I would argue, that would have all been better for his development than Memphis was ever going to be. Tom Izzo, Dana Altman, or professional coaches are all an upgrade over Penny Hardaway. I would recommend any of these destinations for Bates next year.
The best thing Emoni Bates could do for his falling draft stock is get out of Memphis. He still has loads of potential and enough time to grow into a legitimate pro, but that is a necessary step.
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