Seen to his advantage Monday night against the Grizzlies, Emoni Bates was probably more motivated than usual since he has strong ties to Memphis. It was there that he began his university career and it was there that he made ties with Ja Morant whom he considers his “big brother“. The former high school prodigy would have loved to join the Grizzlies, and that could explain his aggressiveness in this meeting, which he finished with 21 points.
“Clearly, that’s what interested me” did he recognize about the idea of being drafted by the Grizzlies, before discussing this friendship with Morant. “He hears from me here and there. He’s the big brother. He always checks in on me. I’m pretty sure he’ll message me when I get to the hotel. I try to talk to him as much as possible”.
18 months ago, when he was in college, Bates had already mentioned this role of big brother. This was long before Morant’s problems with guns, and his two suspensions, and the Grizzlies point guard had confirmed that their friendship ran deep.
“He’s like a little brother”confirmed Ja Morant. “The situation with Emoni is different [de celle que j’ai avec d’autres jeunes joueurs]. We have a deeper relationship. Anything I can do to help her, I will. I know I will see him again soon in the League. I will just continue to be there for him. »
“I took a big step forward, taking care of my head”
The two have in common that they suffer from psychological problems, and Bates is one of the few very young players to have spoken out on this once taboo subject. His return to the fore is linked to this rediscovered well-being. “It’s not really basketball related… Mentally, I took a big step forward, taking care of my head. It’s something huge. When your head isn’t in it, it’s hard for you to play the basketball you want. »
Prior to the Draft, Bates opened up about his therapy, and his ability to overcome his hyperactivity on the pitch. “The therapy helps me a lot” had told the rookie of the Cavaliers. “Talking to my therapist, you know, gets me through a lot of hurdles. I think that’s why I’m so stable today. I am able to detach myself from certain things. There are a lot of things going through my head. With therapy, you can talk to someone and it’s confidential. It’s not going to leak out. It’s a chance for me, it’s clear “.
