Two years ago, Emoni Bates seemed destined to play a basketball game at Little Caesars Arena at some point in the 2022-23 season.
But the thought then was it would happen in the NBA.
The former No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2021 will play at the home of the Detroit Pistons on Friday evening, but will do so in his first regular season appearance as a member of Eastern Michigan in a clash with Michigan basketball.
Bates scored 27 points in his EMU debut in the exhibition game against Grand Valley State on Nov.