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Report: 5-star Emoni Bates not expected to attend Michigan State

Spenser Davis

By Spenser Davis

Published:

Emoni Bates, one of the nation’s highest-rated basketball recruits in recent memory, is currently committed to Michigan State for the class of 2022.

However, that’s reportedly expected to change.

According to a wide-ranging profile from Brendan Quinn of The Athletic, Bates is expected to turn pro upon his graduation from Ypsi Prep. That path would likely result in Bates signing on with the G-League’s Ignite team, which is currently in its inaugural year.

Here’s an excerpt from Quinn’s story:

Of all the sources interviewed for this story, those existing in and out of the Bates camp, no one seems to believe Emoni will play at Michigan State. Instead, Bates most likely will wait for a professional contract, probably the most lucrative deal the G League can muster, and turn professional before heading to the NBA.

Bates responded to this story with an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon:

Bates is the No. 1 overall recruit for the class of 2022 according to multiple outlets, but there’s also been speculation that he could re-classify to the class of 2021.

The Ignite’s first season has been recognized as a success so far. Both Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Green are widely expected to be picked in the top five of the 2021 NBA Draft. Contracts for Kuminga, Green and other elite prospects are well into six figures.

Bates has been committed to Michigan State since June 29.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.