Emoni Bates

Draft Notes

Emoni Bates was once considered a generational type of prospect and widely considered the top prospect in his class but his progression as a prospect has slowed and his ceiling appears to be lower than what we originally thought. He’s still a high level talent but not a sure-fire star.

After a really rough freshman season at Memphis Bates has transferred to Eastern Michigan where he’ll look to shake off the bad start to his college career and get his game back on track.

Emoni specializes at scoring the ball. He’s very capable of getting his own shot from the perimeter but doesn’t have great blow by speed or explosiveness into the lane. This can lead to inefficient shooting numbers and settling for outside shots.

His lack of overall athleticism and his lack of length (he has a negative wingspan) are major concerns as he progresses to the next level of play.

Bates is a really good ball handler and is basically a 6-8 guard with a scorer’s mentality.

Although he’s not the most powerful athlete and is still very skinny, he’s got wiry strength and takes it hard to the rim. He’s a competitor who seems to work hard and push to be the best he can be.

Comparisons

• Brandon Boston

Draft Projection

late first to mid second round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

2023 Small Forwards

1. Dariq Whitehead – 6-5 – Duke
2. Cam Whitmore – 6-7 – Villanova
3. Jordan Walsh – 6-7 – Arkansas
4. Dillon Mitchell – 6-7 – Texas
5. Leonard Miller – 6-10 – Canada
6. Brandon Miller – 6-8 – Alabama
7. Baba Miller – 6-11 – Florida State (Spain)
8. Julian Phillips – 6-7 – Tennessee
9. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 6-7 – UCLA
10. Emoni Bates – 6-8 1/2 – TBD
11. Andre Jackson – 6-6 – UConn
12. Marquise Rice – 6-5 – Kansas
13. Gradey Dick – 6-7 – Kansas
14. Matthew Mayer – 6-9 – Illinois
15. Tre White – 6-6 – USC
16. Jalen Wilson – 6-8 – Kansas
17. Colby Jones – 6-6 – Xavier
18. Nathan Missia-Dio – 6-8 – Overtime Elite (Belgium)
19. Terrence Shannon Jr. – 6-7 – Illinois
20. Cam’Ron Fletcher – 6-7 – Florida State
21. Trey Patterson – Villanova
22. Abramo Canka – 6-7 – Italy
23. Samuell Williamson – 6-7 – Louisville
24. Mario Nakic – 6-7 – Serbia
25. Yannick Kraag – 6-8 – Netherlands
26. Armel Traore – 6-8 – France
27. Addison Patterson – 6-7 – Nevada