YPSILANTI, MI – DECEMBER 09: Ypsilanti Lincoln Railsplitter sophomore Emoni Bates in action against … [+]
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Emoni Bates and his family are considering several options for the 2021-22 season and no final decision has been made, Elgin Bates’ father said Wednesday in a phone interview.
The 6-foot-9 Bates, compared to young Kevin Durant, are still committed to speaking to Michigan State for Class 2022 but could reclassify and enroll in the Big Ten program for the 2021-22 season .
Other options include joining the NBA G League track that currently features the projected lottery selection of Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga, who earn six – figure salaries; playing abroad; and sitting out the next season. Whatever the case, he will not qualify for the NBA Draft until 2023, when he turned 19. He turned 17 on Jan. 28.
Multiple experts said Bates would have been an absolute No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft if he deserved it.
“Let’s not put it this way,” said Elgin after reports surfaced that Emoni “intended” to enter League G next season, “whatever options are available to him, we’ll figure them out and put it forward, but is the final decision his part.
“If League G is something he wants to do, if he decides that’s what he wants to do, that’s very right. He can do League G. If Michigan State is what it wants to do, that ‘s fine. If he wants to entertain abroad, that’s fine. If he just wants to sit out and train for a year, that’s what he wants to do. It is his decision. “
YPSILANTI, MI – DECEMBER 09: Ypsilanti Lincoln Railsplitter sophomore Emoni Bates in action against … [+]
Sportswire icon through Getty Images
Bates and his Ypsi Prep team have “around 4-5” games this season, including games in Dayton, Ohio on Sunday and Monday in the Flyin ’to the Hoop event.
Elgin said Emoni remains committed to Michigan State after its verbal pledge in June last year.
“Yeah, we’re still committed,” said Elgin. “There is no disqualification.”
“I’m not sure what the future holds,” Bates said when he made a commitment to Michigan State in June, “but as I know right now, I promise to Michigan State University. ”
Elgin said they continue to watch Michigan State games heading into March Madness. Tom Izzo’s club are between 14-10, 8-10 in the Big Ten, and Joe Lunardi’s “First Four Out” comes in on Wednesday.
When asked if they would look at Michigan State to see what kind of chemistry Emoni could have with the team, Elgin said, “As far as Michigan State, I’m not sure what kind of chemistry they would have. . I don’t know what kind of chemistry they have, that’s still to be seen. ”
As for the G League, Green and Kuminga are currently playing for G League Ignite in a G League bubble outside Orlando. When asked if he would recommend that route to other young high school stars like Jaden Hardy and others, Green said in January:
“Yeah, a couple of guys hit me at the beginning of the process, but if they ask me I’ll just tell them it’s a really good experience.
“If you want to find out how you can become a pro and that your ultimate goal is to get into the league, I think this is the best option for you, especially if you want to learn more and just get acquainted with the game. ”