Emoni Bates continues to validate why he’s the No.1 prospect via ESPN in the nation. The Class of 2022 small forward during a friendly hoop session showed off his impressive offensive weapons. Defenders were no match as Bates hesitation crossover and pull up jumper exposed the weakness in players who game isn’t predicated on defense. In a pickup game, he nearly gave his opponents 30 plus points in sweat pants along with breaking one defender ankles. When a player ends up on social media at the expense of a top player giving him buckets with a killer crossover, social distancing from social media should be the first thing to do since it’s embarrassing.
According to Jeff Borzelo and Mark Schlabach via ESPN, five-star prospect Bates committed to Michigan State in June announcing his decision to play for head coach Tom Izzo. Since his announcement, he’s taking his game to his father’s new upcoming prep school this fall after ending his two seasons at Lincoln High School. It doesn’t matter if you put old heads in front of him or new comers trash talking, he’ll still drop 30 points on you and walk away like it wasn’t nothing.
Bates has all of the tools as a slasher who game has been compared to the likes of four time NBA scoring champ and Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant. He can pull up from 30 feet, shoot off the dribble, finish at the rim and make you pay. As a 6-foot-9 wing, Bates has the advantage and length to knock down shots when doubled and is NBA bound. It’ll be interesting to see how Bates approaches his junior season as he is fresh off averaging 33 points, 9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. The reigning Gatorade Player of the Year has a lot in store and will only continue to be a nightmare for basketball players who step on the floor not wearing the same jersey as him. The question that remains is what top defensive high school anchor will be able to stop or hold Bates under 20 points when the basketball season returns?
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