Getty Image
- Former Memphis Tigers star Emoni Bates was the top player in the transfer portal.
- Bates was down to a number of finalists, with Louisville emerging as the favorite.
- But, he has decided to play at Eastern Michigan in a stunning development.
The college basketball transfer portal has died down in the past month. But, Memphis transfer Emoni Bates — the top transfer on the market — had been floating around for the entire time.
Recently, Bates named his finalists, including Michigan, Arkansas, DePaul, Seton Hall, Eastern Michigan, and the favorite — Louisville.
Bates has made his much-anticipated decision, but instead of heading to Louisville, he is heading to the MAC and playing for Eastern Michigan. Joe Tipton of ON3 broke the story:
Breaking: Memphis transfer Emoni Bates has committed to Eastern Michigan, he tells @On3sports.
Story: https://t.co/tzcV6qZz2O pic.twitter.com/j7WgZuZlX5
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 29, 2022
This is a massive shift for several programs, with Louisville being hit the hardest. Back in May, Louisville looked to be the favorite landing spot for Bates.
There is much to like about Bates, even if his first college campaign didn’t go as planned.
Emoni Bates, HEAT CHECK pic.twitter.com/rDOpZkOUde
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) November 25, 2021
Emoni Bates Stuns Everybody By Picking Eastern Michigan
Although Eastern Michigan was one of the finalists, this is a massive surprise and a huge deal for college basketball fans everywhere.
Here’s Bates’ post on his Instagram, and he has to be thrilled about heading back to his home state.
Emoni Bates, a consensus top 5 recruiting in the 2021 class, has announced he is transferring to Eastern Michigan. pic.twitter.com/LeAhizbDBI
— From the Hawkeye of the Storm (@FromTheHawkeye) June 29, 2022
Fans everywhere reacted to the former No. 1 high school prospect heading to Eastern Michigan.
Emoni Bates at Eastern Michigan pic.twitter.com/iWFKLWSH2z
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) June 29, 2022
Two years ago today Emoni Bates committed to Michigan State in what was one of the biggest recruiting wins in the Tom Izzo era at the time.
Two years later he is on his way to Eastern Michigan… wow.
— Kenny Jordan (@Kenny_Jordan5) June 29, 2022
Great for Emoni Bates. I hope he has a great season and can guarantee himself to be picked in the Top 10 of the 2023 NBA Draft.
— Steve Hiegel (@SteveHiegel) June 29, 2022
Eastern Michigan? What…!? So u leave from Michigan State for Memphis leave Memphis for this?! Even if he plays well who cares against mediocre competition he’ll see at Eastern Michigan 🤦🏾♂️. Should’ve just went to the G League if that was the case. Makes no sense.
— Twon95 (@YoungRaww95) June 29, 2022
Louisville losing recruiting battles to Eastern Michigan? Kenny Payne is washed
— Fifth Quarter Kentucky (@FQKentucky) June 29, 2022
— lou (@theloumedd) June 29, 2022
Wait, seriously? No way.
— Jill is So Sick of (gestures wildly) THIS 🇺🇦 (@egrishom) June 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/DonaldScott_II/status/1542231435272228865?s=20&t=Rs2BGgelZ57YE6WQN9bfmg
As you can see, the reactions are all over the place, and the college basketball analysts also chipped in with their thoughts.
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
Emoni Bates has committed to Eastern Michigan per his Instagram. Wish his the best of luck. Never disparage anyone for making the decision they think is best.
But after what we saw at Memphis, this is, umm, not the move I would have advised him to make.
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) June 29, 2022
Charlie Batch offer Emoni Bates a million like he did Caleb Williams? Otherwise … WOW.
Bates was on the cover of SI in 10th grade. Now he's at Eastern Michigan. https://t.co/jBPsd012kS
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) June 29, 2022
Well, the Bates saga is over, and now he heads to Eastern Michigan in a stunning development.