By ADAM ZAGORIA
Depending on what happens with the NBA’s age limit, Emoni Bates may never spend a day in college.
The Class of 2022 star has been compared to a young Kevin Durant, and may go straight from the preps to the pros if the one-and-done rule is collectively bargained out by 2022, as I wrote in this Forbes.com piece last summer.
But for now, head coach Tom Izzo and his staff are actively recruiting the Michigan native — in case he does end up in college three years from now.
After taking an official visit to Michigan State last September, the 6-foot-8 Bates will trip to the campus on Saturday for the Maryland game, his father, Elgin, told ZAGSBLOG.
Asked what Michigan State’s message was, Elgin said, “It’s always been keep doing what we’ve been doing. We’re doing a great job.”
Elgin added that in terms of recruiting, Michigan State and Eastern Michigan are the only schools “showing love” right now.
Emoni Bates puts in 42 POINTS in a dominant win 🥶 @BatesEmoni pic.twitter.com/bEcOxGmLBk
— Overtime (@overtime) February 12, 2020
On Tuesday, Bates went for 42 points in a game. Last Friday, he posted a triple-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
Emoni Bates put on another SHOW last night ⭐️
— Overtime (@overtime) February 8, 2020
22 PTS
11 REB
11 AST @BatesEmoni pic.twitter.com/TeOKr9rlri
It may turn out that Bates never spends a day on a college campus. But if the rule doesn’t change, he could end up going to college.
And Michigan State is putting in the work.
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