5 potential transfer targets for Emoni Bates

Former five-star stud Emoni Bates is moving from Memphis after one season with the Tigers. Where could the critically acclaimed talent go next?

Emoni Bates has been heralded as the next big basketball star, but his college basketball career hasn’t panned out the way he wanted with Memphis.

Bates played 18 games and started 13 times. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists while missing action for more than a month due to a back injury.

Now the small forward is in the transfer portal and is looking for a new home.

Bates, who turned 18 in January, may not go to the NBA until next year. He could still spend his next developmental year playing in the G-League, but the more likely outcome is that he remains in the collegiate ranks.

5 transfer targets that make sense for Emoni Bates

Michigan State Spartans

Tom Izzo was one of the first college coaches to aggressively recruit Bates. The recruit once made a pledge to Michigan State before retiring in favor of Memphis. Familiarity with Izzo and the program would be a plus for the Ypsilanti native, along with the ability to return home.

Michigan Wolverines

Bates considered Michigan for his high school recruiting and shortlisted the Wolverines before accepting Memphis. Juwan Howard led his team into the Elite Eight last year and made it into the Sweet Sixteen this year. Bates could also come home by this route.

Oregon ducks

Bates paid an official visit to Oregon before settling on Memphis. Dana Altman is still in Eugene despite his Ducks not making the NCAA tournament last season. Still, if Bates counted Oregon among his favorites last time out, he might give them a second look.

Tennessee volunteers

If Bates wants to live up to the comparison he often gets with Kevin Durant, he could turn to Durant’s former college coach. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes helped develop Durant in Texas and he has a strong track record.

Kentucky Wildcats

Bates may not go to the NBA until next year, but he can capitalize on the NILE landscape in a big way by landing in Kentucky. A Blue Blood program could offer the player a NIL platform, while head coach John Calipari specializes in players with NBA aspirations like Bates.

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