Providence Friars
The Friars are going to be looking hard for big men this offseason, knowing that All-Big East star big man Nate Watson has no more eligibility. That leaves 6’10 incoming freshman Christ Essandoko, but he’s more of a project that shouldn’t get extended minutes right out the gate.
Bates isnt’s the same kind of offensive player that Watson is but he’d be a slight defensive upgrade and have a decent role on the offense. If he wants to play in the Big East but for a program that can actually win games in league play, Providence would be a nice fit for both sides.
Seton Hall Pirates
Starting big man Ike Obiagu could potentially come back for the Pirates but after already playing five years in NCAA Basketball and now dealing with a coaching change, he could very well move. And if the reports are true that Saint Peter’s head coach Shaheen Halloway is the replacement for Kevin Willard, Bates would be a perfect option to bring in at center.
The Peacocks were one of the better defensive teams in the country, despite being undersized overall. 6’7 KC Ndefo was the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and Bates could be the Big East version of him if Seton Hall makes an offer, once everything has been finalized with the head coach situation.