NCAA Basketball: Update on free agent transfer Emoni Bates and his options

A year ago, the last NCAA Basketball storyline that needed to be cleared was where five-star prospect Emoni Bates was going to be headed after reclassifying to the 2022 recruiting class. He, along with another top prospect Jalen Duren, picked Memphis in the offseason and created a ton of buzz and headlines.

At this point, we all know how it ended up. After a strong individual start (16 ppg through 3 games), Bates struggled with his role in the Tigers and at one point was benched. Injuries cost him most of the second half of last season, though he was able to return in the NCAA Tournament, losing to Gonzaga in the Round of 32.

On the season, Bates averaged 9.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 18 games on 39% shooting from the field. Things never got going between him and Memphis and after the season was over, Bates entered the NCAA Basketball transfer portal. He didn’t go through the NBA Draft process so it looked as if he was definitely going to stay in college for at least one more year.

At some point, Bates announced a top-6 list of options that included Michigan, Arkansas, and Louisville. After the draft process results and the rosters starting to get set, why hasn’t he picked one of those teams? It’s been a complete mystery throughout the offseason, with several teams at one point being linked with him, including Memphis as well.

For a closer look into the Emoni Bates saga, here’s what has reportedly gone on this offseason, as well as a prediction from me as to where I think he’ll ultimately end up.