Emoni Bates, a former Michigan State commit who was at one point the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2022, will join the Memphis Tigers this fall.
Bates reclassified to the Class of 2021 earlier this month and revealed his commitment to Memphis on Wednesday. Bates chose the Tigers over Michigan State, Oregon and the G League.
At Memphis, Bates will join coach Penny Hardaway and fellow five-star prospect Jalen Duren, a center who surpassed Bates as the No. 1 player in the 2022 class this summer. Duren reclassified to 2021 the same week as Bates, with Duren announcing his commitment to Memphis at that same time.
The Tigers’ 2021-22 lineup also will include returning guard Lester Quinones and Miami transfer guard Earl Timberlake.
Bates, a small forward from Ypsilanti, Mich., reopened his recruitment last April. Despite his reclassification, he will not be old enough to enter the 2022 NBA draft.
The 247 Sports Composite rankings currently rate Bates the No. 5 overall prospect in the Class of 2021 and Duren the No. 4 prospect.