As basketball season approaches, lists will continue to be compiled and Memphis players will continue to rack up preseason honors. Sporting News recently released its Preseason All-American teams, and Memphis freshman Emoni Bates made it on the list.
Sporting News’ reasoning for including Bates:
“Someone on a team this talented is likely to stand out, and it wouldn’t be a shock if it were freshman center Jalen Duren or veteran shooting guard Landers Nolley. Logic says the player most likely to become the star is the most talented, and that’s Bates. There’s been discussion about using him as the team’s primary point guard – because there is a vacancy there – but Bates’ versatility as a scorer and distributor might be best utilized at a forward spot where his combination of size and quickness will give him an advantage over most defenders and his versatility will unsettle most who oppose him.”
Bates missed the Tigers’ first exhibition game against LeMoyne-Owen, but he made his collegiate debut against Lane College in Sunday. In the win, Bates racked up 12 points, four rebounds, a block and a steal.
The former five-star prospect also knocked down two three-pointers in his 21 minutes of action, and it will be very exciting to see how he develops as the season progresses. The talent and basketball IQ are clearly there for Bates, and he should be able to put together a very successful freshman season in the Bluff City.
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