It was with great fanfare and excitement last summer that five-star recruit and Michigan native Emoni Bates announced he was committing to the Michigan State Spartans. After a year of playing for his dad at newly founded Ypsi Prep Academy, Bates announced on his Instagram account that he is decommitting from Michigan State and exploring alternative college and professional options.
In what amounted to a drama filled season that saw fellow Michigan State commit Jaden Akins transfer mid-season out of the program, Bates played in 11 of the team’s 13 games. He averaged 24.