Cavaliers Draft Eastern Michigan Star, Former Top HS Recruit Emoni Bates in Second Round

The promising scorer will have an opportunity to continue his career at the next level following a turbulent two collegiate seasons.

The second round of the 2023 NBA draft saw the Cavaliers use their pick at No. 49 to select an intriguing prospect in Emoni Bates, a former top-ranked high school recruit who starred as a transfer at Eastern Michigan last season.

Cleveland’s selection of Bates, who was ranked No. 1 in the recruiting class of 2022, presents the promising 6-foot-6 forward with an opportunity to continue his career at the next level following a turbulent two collegiate seasons.

Widely touted as a multi-faceted scorer, Bates gained national attention playing high school basketball for two programs in Ypsilanti, Mich. He committed to Michigan State in April 2021 before later reclassifying to the class of ’21, and withdrawing his commitment in order to enroll at Memphis.

While at Memphis, Bates dealt with injuries and off-court troubles playing under coach Penny Hardaway. In April 2022, he entered the transfer portal and found his way to Eastern Michigan, where the former five-star recruit faced felony gun charges that were later dropped.

Despite the hardships, however, Bates has continued to flash his impressive scoring ability when on the floor, a trait that could keep him on the Cavs past the summer league. Cleveland (51–31) is looking to bolster its roster after finishing last season fourth in the East.

In 18 games (13 starts) at Memphis, Bates averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest. He upped those numbers across the board as a sophomore at Eastern Michigan, averaging an efficient 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in 30 games (29 starts).

The Cavs have selected Emoni Bates with the No. 49 pick pic.twitter.com/LNxojX6lLm

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 23, 2023