Emoni Bates, widely considered the best high school prospect in more than a decade, has announced his commitment to Michigan State. The Spartans have been consistent contenders on the national scene, and Lansing, Michigan is just an hours drive from his hometown, Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Bates also announced his plans for his final two years of high school. He will be leaving Ypsilanti Lincoln. His father, Elgin, is opening a new prep school this fall. Emoni will attend the school and play basketball there.
Bates, a 6-foot-9 wing with a smooth offensive game and elite shooting ability, is ranked no. 1 in the ESPN 60 for the class of 2022 and is also considered the best prospect in the country regardless of class.
Emoni Bates was the first 10th grader to ever win the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award. Bates averaged 28.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.8 assists through 25 games for Ypsilanti Lincoln.
As a high school freshman, Bates led Lincoln High to its first state championship, then led it to a 19-3 record and a spot in the District 18 state tournament final against Ann Arbor Huron. That game was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Photo by Jeff Steers. This article cites information and media from NBC Sports and the AP. For more sports, news and entertainment follow the Midwest Sports Network on Twitter @MWSNsports or like our page on Facebook.
