To the shock of many, Memphis transfer Emoni Bates has chosen the Eastern Michigan Eagles as the school he will play for next season.
“I’m committing to Eastern Michigan,” Bates said on social media. “I’m coming home.”
Memphis transfer Emoni Bates has commited to Eastern Michigan, per @on3sports
EMU is in Bates’ hometown, Ypsilanti, Michigan. @brhoops pic.twitter.com/YhsSDVmVKa
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 29, 2022
Bates, who was the No. 1 recruit in the country coming out of high school, was also considering Louisville, Michigan, Seton Hall, and DePaul, but decided to stay close to home. He literally grew up in Ypsilanti, where EMU is located.
Emoni Bates at Eastern Michigan pic.twitter.com/iWFKLWSH2z
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) June 29, 2022
Bates talked about his interest in EMU.
“People probably look at me crazy because I’m considering Eastern,” Bates said to On3Sports. “But if I went there, I would be like the neighborhood hero. I used to play at Eastern during my high school games when I was at Lincoln, and we used to pack it out every time. That would be crazy for me to be able to bring love to the city.”
Bates also explained what he was looking for in a school.
“I look forward to having a bond with my coaches, teammates, and staff,” Bates said previously in an interview. “Being positive and having the mindset of getting better every day. Just help my teammates get better and just build off each other. And I really want to win. That’s the main goal. That’s what I’m looking into for where I go next.”
Apparently, Bates found what he was seeking at EMU.
Emoni Bates to Eastern Michigan, per his Instagram. Not a lot of interest from high-major programs, from what I was told in recent weeks. Even some programs who had been linked to him had backed off. A remarkable turn of events for him.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) June 29, 2022
