Emoni Bates

Emoni Bates is a professional basketball player recognized for his scoring ability and talent from an early age, currently playing as a forward in the NBA. After leading his Lincoln High School team to its first MHSAA Division 1 state title in 2019, Emoni Bates went on to establish himself as a dominant force in basketball. In his freshman year, he averaged an impressive 28.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, earning widespread recognition as the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year. Bates had already garnered national attention playing for the Toledo Wildcats AAU team in early 2016, and by seventh grade, was rated the number one player in the 2022 class by Future150.

As the youngest player in college basketball during his freshman season, he averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds across 18 games. Following his time at Memphis, Bates transferred to Eastern Michigan for his sophomore year, where he delivered 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in 30 games, earning Third-team All-MAC honors in 2023. His transition to the professional ranks began when he was drafted 49th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2023 NBA Draft. He subsequently signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers, which was followed by an Exhibit 10 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2025.

Demonstrating his ongoing development and scoring potential, Bates participated in the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2024. He continues to make an impact in the professional circuit as an NBA forward, notably achieving a career-high 25 points during the 2024–25 NBA season. His consistent performance and recognized talent position him as a compelling and marketable player in the league.