Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Class of 2022 No. 1 prospect Emoni Bates commits to Michigan State, will play for new prep team
By JACOB POLACHECK Emoni Bates has made a college decision.
Bates, the 6-foot-8, 200-pound small forward from Ypsilanti (MI) Lincoln and No. 1 overall prospect in the Class of 2022, announced his commitment to Michigan State on Monday in an interview with ESPN.
Class of 2022 No. 1 ranked prospect Emoni Bates has committed to Michigan State. pic.twitter.com/uaa6f6Erxp
Added Emoni: “Coach Izzo and coach [Mike] Garland and that entire MSU staff has been showing love since his seventh grade year. They’ve been very consistent. They really have a genuine care for him and the family. They care for him, not only as a player, but as a person. That’s really big for us as a family and for him as a player.”
Bates also announced he is leaving Ypsilanti Lincoln to star on the new Ypsi Prep Academy basketball team.
“It’s my hometown. I didn’t really want to leave, so I’ll stay here until it’s time for otherwise,” Bates told wzyz.com.
“You never want to leave your foundation, you know? Home is home. If we can do it here, why not do it here? Family support, community, there’s nothing better than being home.” Elgin Bates told the site, adding that Emoni and the family turned down offers to play at basketball schools across the country.
Emoni Bates is leaving Ypsilanti Lincoln to create Ypsi Prep Academy. Here’s the roster:
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