Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Emoni Bates

Discover the career path of Emoni Bates, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Emoni Bates is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, on a two-way contract with the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League. He previously played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers and the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Bates was once considered a top prospect but has since navigated a professional career after his time in college.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Surfaced on the national radar

In early 2016, Emoni Bates gained national attention after averaging 28 points and 12 rebounds per game for the Toledo Wildcats AAU team at a tournament in Chicago.

November 26, 2018: Freshman debut

On November 26, 2018, Emoni Bates made his freshman season debut for Lincoln High School, scoring 32 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in an 80–69 victory over Ann Arbor Huron.

2018: Played in Nike Elite Youth Basketball League

In the summer of 2018, Emoni Bates averaged 17 points per game at the under-15 division of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL).

January 18, 2019: Career-high 43 points

On January 18, 2019, Emoni Bates scored a then-career-high 43 points, shooting 13-of-27 from the field, in a 68–56 victory over Ypsilanti Community High School.

January 17, 2020: Scored 40 points

On January 17, 2020, Emoni Bates scored 40 points in a 67–38 victory over Dexter High School.

June 29, 2020: Committed to Michigan State

On June 29, 2020, Emoni Bates announced his commitment to play college basketball for Michigan State during a live interview on SportsCenter.

November 12, 2020: Debut with Ypsi Prep Academy

On November 12, 2020, Emoni Bates debuted with Ypsi Prep Academy, scoring 36 points in a 78–71 exhibition game loss to Chet Holmgren and Team Sizzle.

April 30, 2021: Decommitted from Michigan State

On April 30, 2021, Emoni Bates decommitted from Michigan State, opening up his recruitment to college and professional options.

August 4, 2021: Reclassified to the 2021 class

On August 4, 2021, Emoni Bates reclassified from the 2022 class to the 2021 class and was ranked third, fourth and fifth in his class by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports, respectively.

November 9, 2021: College Debut

On November 9, 2021, Emoni Bates made his college debut for Memphis, recording a season-high 17 points, four rebounds and four assists in an 89–65 win against Tennessee Tech.

2021: Reclassified up to the 2021 class

After his junior season, Emoni Bates reclassified up to the 2021 class and bypassed his senior year of high school.

January 24, 2023: Scored 29 Straight Points

On January 24, 2023, Emoni Bates scored 29 straight points for Eastern Michigan in the first half against Toledo, finishing the game with 43 points in an 84-79 loss.

April 24, 2023: Entered NBA Draft

On April 24, 2023, Emoni Bates entered his name in the 2023 NBA draft.

July 7, 2023: Signed with Cleveland Cavaliers

On July 7, 2023, Emoni Bates signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, splitting time with their NBA G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.