By JACOB POLACHECK
Emoni Bates, the No. 4 ranked player in the class of 2021, has committed to Memphis, per a report from Shams Charania of the Athletic and Stadium.
Bates, who visited Memphis and Oregon last week, was set to announce his decision Friday according to an Instagram post from his father, which contradicted a report from 247Sports.com that said Bates would announce Wednesday, which is also the last date to register for classes at Memphis.
After reclassifying to the Class of 2021 from 2022, Bates chose Memphis over Oregon, Michigan State and the NBA G League.
Jalen Rose recently suggested on ESPN that Memphis was about to land both players and that the school should set up an NIL deal between the young stars and FedEx, which is based in Memphis.
The 6-10 Duren committed to Memphis Aug. 6 over Kentucky, Miami, the G League and the Australian NBL. He is expected to arrive on campus with the other new players Aug. 22.
Duren and Bates are friends and were teammates briefly this summer with Team Final when they won the Southern Jamfest. After Bates returned to Bates Fundamental for Peach Jam, he sat behind the Team Final bench urging them on during their run to the Peach Jam title.“
I know how it is with this whole process thing,” Duren said, per the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I wouldn’t put too much more pressure on him than he probably already has. Definitely if he decides to come play I know it would be amazing for college basketball, but that’s my guy off the court besides basketball, anyway.”
Hyped early as the next Kevin Durant when he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Bates hasn’t quite lived up to that so far but remains a very talented player.
Bates went for 22 points while leading Bates Fundamental to a win over Bronny James and Strive for Greatness on July 22 during the Nike Peach Jam before finishing 35 points and six rebounds in a loss to Nightrydas the following day.
Bates will not turn 19 until January of 2023, which means Bates will have to complete two seasons at Memphis, or after his freshman year, join the NBA G League or opt for another pro option.
After landing a pair of five-star recruits in Bates and Duren, Memphis will also look to bring in class of 2022 five-star Chris Livingston, who recently set his official visit to Memphis for September 3.
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