Emoni Bates' legend is growing.
Bates, a high school basketball phenom at Ypsilanti Lincoln, was unveiled as Sports Illustrated's latest cover subject on Tuesday.
The story, written by former Free Press columnist Michael Rosenberg, chronicles a day in the life of Bates, the 6-foot-9 sophomore megaprospect who already is drawing comparisons to Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
The Free Press conducted a Q&A with Rosenberg on Tuesday for more insight on the story — which can be read in full here — including why Bates was chosen to be on the cover, the comparisons to NBA greats, and why he thinks Bates will reclassify and attend Michigan State.