Emoni bates

Draft Notes

Emoni Bates is a special NBA draft prospect, potentially a generational talent, who had committed to Michigan State before opening up his recruitment and now committing to Memphis.

Bates has a special combination of size, natural talent and work ethic that makes him an elite level prospect and a potential top 2 or 3 pick. He’s a fierce competitor with a will to win and will to be great. He’s got the fire that it takes to turn natural talent into transcendent talent.

His offensive package is elite for any player, let alone a high school underclassman. Bates has the look of a young Kevin Durant (he’s got a bit less length but just as much skill and a more dominant game than KD had in high school).

He’s got the complete package including the ability to light it up from downtown, take it to the hoop and finish above the rim and warp the defense, opening up space for his teammates.

Bates is a really good ball handler and is basically a 6-8 guard. He can beat his man one on one with his quick first step and he’s a creative finisher in the lane or with his smooth mid range game.

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 also not a huge wingspan guy but has more than enough size, strength and length to warrant all of the hype that comes his way.

Comparisons

• smaller Kevin Durant
• angry Brandon Ingram

Draft Projection

top 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

2022 Small Forwards

1. Patrick Baldwin Jr. – 6-10 – Wisconsin Milwaukee 
2. Adrian Griffin Jr. – 6-6 – Duke
3. Caleb Houstan – 6-8 – Michigan (Canada)
4. Kendall Brown – 6-6 – Baylor
5. Payton Watson – 6-9 – UCLA
6. Ousmane Dieng – 6-7 – France
7. Matthew Mayer – 6-9 – Baylor
8. Keyontae Johnson – 6-5 – Florida
9. Julian Champagnie – 6-8 – St. Johns
10. Johnny Juzang – 6-7 – UCLA
11. Jalen Wilson – 6-8 – Kansas
12. Jermaine Samuels – 6-7 – Villanova
13. Josh Minott – 6-8 – Memphis
14. Jabari Walker – 6-8 – Colorado
15. Jordan Hall – 6-8 – St. Joes
16. Micah Peavy – 6-7 – TCU
17. Terrence Shannon Jr. – 6-7 – Texas Tech
18. Fanbo Zeng – 6-9 – G League Ignite (China)
19. Abramo Canka – 6-7 – Italy
20. Hyunjung Lee – 6-7 – Davidson (South Korea)
21. Mario Nakic – 6-7 – Serbia
22. Yannick Kraag – 6-8 – Netherlands
23. Samuell Williamson – 6-7 – Louisville
24. Landers Nolley II – 6-7 – Memphis
25. Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe – 6-7 – OK State (Canada)