NCAA Basketball: 10 teams that should target Memphis transfer Emoni Bates

Auburn Tigers

The Tigers have lost star forwards Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith but already landed five-star power forward prospect Yohan Traore and currently are looking to add an impact big as well. And the backcourt is already set with both KD Johnson and Wendell Green coming back. That leaves the wing position, with Allen Flanigan coming back from an injury and never fully recovered. A full offseason could allow him to return to his sophomore form but the Tigers could land someone to provide insurance.

Coach Bruce Pearl’s offensive system could be perfect for Bates and give him the confidence needed to excel. This is a program that has sent players to the NBA and the SEC is a great showcase for talent, similar to how Kessler broke out after transferring in from UNC. Auburn doesn’t have a go-to scorer on the roster at the moment so adding Bates, who could play the combo forward position and space out the offense can help replace the lost offensive production.

Baylor Bears

The Bears have lost multiple forwards this offseason to the NBA Draft, including Matthew Mayer and freshmen, Kendall Brown and Jeremy Sochan. That leaves the options at the small forward spot to include top-30 incoming freshman Keyonte George, as well as Langston Love, who missed this past season with an injury.

From a talent standpoint, Bates can not only compete with those two but he also can play at the four-spot, an area of weakness on the roster as well. The Bears were a finalist for him a year ago and head coach Scott Drew could be the guy that puts Bates in a position to succeed and for a winning program and culture.