Eastern Michigan Athletics
Emoni Bates Invited to NBA Draft Combine
5/15/2023 1:12:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Eastern sophomore among 85 prospects displaying their skills in Chicago
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Emoni Bates (Ypsilanti, Mich.-Ypsi Prep-Memphis) is one of 85 individuals that received invitations to participate in the 2023 NBA Draft Combine inside Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., May 15-21.
The lone Mid-American Conference player invited to the combine, Bates will match his skills some of the top prospects vying to be drafted June 22. Throughout the week, Bates participate in several sessions, including measurements, shooting and ball handling skills, and 5-on-5 scrimmages that will be aired live on ESPN2 Wednesday and Thursday.
Bates, an All-MAC Third Team selection following the 2022-23 season with the Eagles, led the charge for the Eagles with 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game with his point average ranking 39th nationally and third in the MAC. He tallied 577 points, including 76 from behind the arc, which ranked fifth in a single season in program history.
An offensive standout, Bates dropped a career-high 43 points at Toledo, Jan 24, including scoring 29 consecutive points in the first half of the contest. Additionally, in the game, he drained 15 shot, including nine triples, the ninth-most in a single game in program history. Bates, who scored at least 20 points 11 ties, including 30 in his first game with the Eagles against then No. 22 Michigan, and scored 30+ in four contests. Prior to his 43-point eruption, he scored a then-career-high 36 points at South Carolina, Dec. 30, where he hit eight three-point shots as well.
Following the combine, Bates will turn his sights on the draft, where he will look to become the 15th player in Eastern Michigan history to be drafted and the first since 1998 when Derrick Dial was the 52nd selection (23rd pick in the second round) by the San Antonio Spurs. The 2023 edition of the draft will take place inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., with coverage on ESPN starting at 8 p.m.
The lone Mid-American Conference player invited to the combine, Bates will match his skills some of the top prospects vying to be drafted June 22. Throughout the week, Bates participate in several sessions, including measurements, shooting and ball handling skills, and 5-on-5 scrimmages that will be aired live on ESPN2 Wednesday and Thursday.
Bates, an All-MAC Third Team selection following the 2022-23 season with the Eagles, led the charge for the Eagles with 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game with his point average ranking 39th nationally and third in the MAC. He tallied 577 points, including 76 from behind the arc, which ranked fifth in a single season in program history.
An offensive standout, Bates dropped a career-high 43 points at Toledo, Jan 24, including scoring 29 consecutive points in the first half of the contest. Additionally, in the game, he drained 15 shot, including nine triples, the ninth-most in a single game in program history. Bates, who scored at least 20 points 11 ties, including 30 in his first game with the Eagles against then No. 22 Michigan, and scored 30+ in four contests. Prior to his 43-point eruption, he scored a then-career-high 36 points at South Carolina, Dec. 30, where he hit eight three-point shots as well.
Following the combine, Bates will turn his sights on the draft, where he will look to become the 15th player in Eastern Michigan history to be drafted and the first since 1998 when Derrick Dial was the 52nd selection (23rd pick in the second round) by the San Antonio Spurs. The 2023 edition of the draft will take place inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., with coverage on ESPN starting at 8 p.m.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Basketball2025-26 Field of 68 Men's Basketball Preview: Eastern Michigan Eagles
Tuesday, October 21
Men's Basketball Alumni Game All Call
Tuesday, October 21
2025 E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, October 11
E-Club Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Cinematic Recap
Saturday, October 11