Emoni Bates: Kevin Durant all over again?
On Tuesday night, high school sophomore Emoni Bates put up an unbelievable stat line of 63 points and 21 rebounds. Bates game has drawn comparisons to Brandon Ingram and even Kevin Durant, but is he the real deal?
As a sophomore currently attending Lincoln high school in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Bates is ranked 1st overall in the class of 2022. Bates is ranked far above national sensations such as, Mayfair’s Dior Johnson, and Sierra Canyon’s Amari Bailey, which says a lot. Despite last night’s performance, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Bates put up these outlandish numbers.
In Bates freshman year of high school, he managed to win ”Gatorade Player Of The Year” in the state of Michigan. Averaging 28.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, Bates made this look easy.
Despite some impressive freshman season stats, Bates has only upped his game in his sophomore season. Prior to Tuesday nights record-setting performance, Bates was averaged 30.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals.
*Stats Via 247 Sports*
Graded as a 98 by ESPN recruiters, Bates is nationally ranked #1 in the class of 2022 by a landslide. Amongst not only the class of 22’ but amongst all of high school basketball players, only one player is ranked a 98. With that being said, Bates is ranked ahead of these notable players…
ESPN | Top 60 Rankings Classes (20-22)
- Jalen Green (20’) | 97
- Evan Mobley (20’) | 97
- Cade Cunningham (20’) | 97
- Jonathan Kuminga (21’) | 97
- Chet Holmgren (21’) | 97
- Jalen Duren (22’) | 96
- Dior Johnson (22′) | 92
We could talk about Bates impressive high school resume all day, but Tuesday night was the biggest showcase of his talent we’ve ever seen.
Bates managed to put up 63 points, and 21 rebounds on an efficient 22-39 shots, leading his team to a 108-102 win over Chelsea high school.
Bates currently has offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky, DePaul, and Florida State. According to 247 sports’ crystal ball, Bates is projected to either stay home and attend Michigan State (50%) or go to one of the best programs in the country in Kentucky (50%).
