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 in the NBA on a two-way contract, also playing for the Cleveland Charge in the NBA G League. He previously played college basketball for both the Memphis Tigers and the Eastern Michigan Eagles.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: National Radar

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

November 26, 2018: High School Debut

On November 26, 2018, Emoni Bates made his freshman season debut, recording 32 points and 15 rebounds in a win over Ann Arbor Huron.

2018: Nike Elite Youth Basketball League

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

January 18, 2019: Career-High Points

On January 18, 2019, Emoni Bates scored a then-career-high 43 points in a victory over Ypsilanti Community High School.

January 17, 2020: 40 Points Scored

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

June 29, 2020: Michigan State Commitment

On June 29, 2020, Emoni Bates announced his commitment to play college basketball for Michigan State.

November 12, 2020: Ypsi Prep Debut

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

April 30, 2021: Decommitment

On April 30, 2021, Emoni Bates decommitted from Michigan State and reopened his recruitment.

August 4, 2021: Reclassification

On August 4, 2021, Emoni Bates reclassified from the 2022 class to the 2021 class.

November 9, 2021: College Debut

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