After signing up for the next NBA Draft, Emoni Bates is now trying to convince franchises to choose him. Indeed, the former prodigy of American high schools carried out this week a “workout” with the Hornets. As a reminder, the latter have five Draft choices (lottery, #27, #34, #39 and #41).
“The workout was excellent. The energy was good, everyone was on the same page” thus assured the player, in a video published on the social networks of the Hornets. “Everyone is trying to improve, there is positive energy here. I like this environment”.
Not too long ago, Emoni Bates was one of the best high school students in the country, and was considered a huge prospect, possible first choice of the 2023 Draft. Since then, the hype has dropped dramatically.
Because a lot has happened since then. While he had joined the University of Memphis under the leadership of Penny Hardaway, he broke his teeth on a more physical opposition on the wings. Repositioned point guard, a position he had never held in high school, he had a hard time adapting, before finally being hampered by injuries. He therefore only stayed one year with the Tigers, for an average of 9.7 points in 18 games.
He thus chose to join Eastern Michigan, in his hometown of Ypsilanti, to find colors. Problem: his season started with a suspension after being controlled with a firearm in his car…
And if he was finally able to rejoin the team, and that he regained momentum in terms of scoring (19.2 points), he evolved in a very low level team (8 wins and 23 losses), and its effectiveness is generally more than suspect (41% in shots, 2.5 bullet losses for 1.3 passes). What cool a lot of people.
He still made it to the 2023 Draft, but with a disappointing college career and his extra-sporting worries, his rating has dropped dramatically. And it is very difficult to situate it in the cuvée, the franchises having discussed with his relatives placing him from 20th to 45th place. Where the Hornets therefore have four choices.
