Busting Brackets
Fansided

Memphis Basketball: Analyzing Emoni Bates’ play in first 6 games of 2021-22

By Caleb Hightower

Memphis Tigers guard Emoni Bates talks to Head Coach Penny Hardaway on the sidelines during their game against the Saint Louis Billikens at FedExForum on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.Bk3i7081
Memphis Tigers guard Emoni Bates talks to Head Coach Penny Hardaway on the sidelines during their game against the Saint Louis Billikens at FedExForum on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.Bk3i7081 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
NCAA Basketball
Memphis Basketball guard Emoni Bates Jrca9946a /

The Good

Prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, I knew that Bates had a reputation of being a gifted 1-on-1 offensive player, but seeing him utilize that skill at the collegiate level has been fun to watch thus far. When defenders have sat back and allowed him to get comfortable on the perimeter by taking a few rhythm dribbles, Bates has been able to use his height advantage to rise up over smaller defenders and fire jumpers that are difficult to affect.

Bates has caused even more problems for defenders when he has sped the ball up the floor in transition. You see, many of Bates’ defenders have respected his ability to chop his feet after crossing half-court and drill deep triples with ease, which has prompted them to quickly step up in an attempt to deter Bates from getting hot from deep.

Luckily for Bates, he understands the importance of making counter moves when necessary, which is why he has executed a slight hesitation (to get defenders off their feet) into a smooth left-to-right crossover several times this season (which has helped him reach the second level of defenses).

Bates is currently averaging just 1.5 assists per game this season, but when he’s gotten into the paint and forced help, he’s been able to dish out some nifty one-handed dimes to his big men down low. Obviously, the big men haven’t always been prepared for his crisp passes (which has led to several blown layups around the rim), but Bates’ vision on the move has been solid through 6 games.

When Alex Lomax has played alongside Bates this year, the 6’9″ freshman guard has been able to play off the ball (instead of having to play point guard) and have a bigger impact on the offensive end of the floor. So far, Bates has done a good job of showing his hands when he’s available and getting in position to shoot catch-and-shoot threes on the perimeter. His remarkably quick release, superb footwork, and extreme confidence have enabled him to step into/net several long-distance threes this season.

Defensively, Bates has had his share of breakdowns as an on-and off-ball defender, but I’ve been pleased with his commitment to contesting shots after getting beat/caught out of position. His wingspan may not be a plus for him (6’7.25″), but he’s still managed to block a few shots at the rim and create issues for his opponents from time to time.