Eastern Michigan Athletics
Bates Excels at NBA Draft Combine
5/24/2023 3:08:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EMU sophomore showcased his sharp-shooting prowess at pre-draft event in Chicago
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The 2023 NBA Draft Combine was held May 15-21 inside Wintrust Arena in Chicago where Eastern Michigan University men's basketball standout Emoni Bates (Ypsilanti, Mich.-Ypsi Prep-Memphis) showcased his skills in front of team personnel from all 30 National Basketball Association (NBA) teams. Bates took part in several individual skill and measurement sessions while also starting in both 5-on-5 scrimmages.
"I am very excited, but not surprised at all at his success at the combine," EMU Head Coach Stan Heath said. "He has always been a talented player and shows out and there was no question that he was going to stand out in a situation like the combine. I think a lot of people are taking notice of who he is and what he has done in the past. I really think this year has gotten him back in that position of being the guy they thought he could be. I am excited for him and I think he will continue to turn heads as he continues to perform in some of those (pre-draft) workouts with individual teams ahead of the draft."
Bates was among the top players in individual shooting drills as the Ypsilanti native finished in the top two in a pair of events. He connected on 83.3 percent of his attempts in the shooting-off-the-dribble drill as he finished tied for first after hitting 25-of-30 from deep. He then took second in the 3-point star drill as he connected on 19-of-25 attempts (76 percent).
Bates also took part in a pair of 5-on-5 scrimmages and was in the starting five in both games where he averaged 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks while playing 19.0 minutes per game. In the first game, he tallied nine points on 4-of-9 shooting (1-of-3 from deep) while pulling down five boards, blocking two shots, and stealing one pass while playing 21 minutes. He followed that up with 12 points (3-of-5 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three and 4-of-4 at the line) while adding two rebounds, two assists, and one block.
With the combine behind him, Bates will turn his attention to pre-draft workouts with several teams ahead of the draft. Having already worked out for the Charlotte Hornets (May 5) and meeting with the Dallas Mavericks, Bates is slated to work-out for several more teams, including (but not limited to) the Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and his hometown Detroit Pistons.
The 2023 NBA Draft will take place June 22 and will air on ESPN starting at 8 p.m. ET. The round event will be hosted by the Nets inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Should Bates hear his name called that night, he would be the first Eagle taken in the draft since 1998 when Derrick Dial was selected in the second round (23rd pick in the round/52nd overall) by the San Antonio Spurs. A selection for Bates also would make him just the 15th EMU player drafted in program history.
Bates, the lone MAC player invited to the combine, was an All-MAC Third Team selection following the 2022-23 season with the Eagles as he led the charge 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 shots, including nine triples, the ninth-most in a single game in program history. Bates, who scored at least 20 points 11 times, 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.
Season Tickets Are On Sale
Season tickets for the upcoming 2023-24 Eastern Michigan University basketball campaign are now on sale! With prices starting at less than $10 per game, the Eagles are ready to take flight inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Thanks to your support, average attendance more than doubled from the previous year and we want to see all of you back when we tip-off again in November!
When you return to the GameAbove Center, you will see and feel noticeable improvements to the gameday experience beginning with installation of Wi-Fi and upgraded 5G service throughout the arena. In addition, the video board upgrades will be completed to make the in-game atmosphere even better for fans in attendance. And this year, come to games showing your Eastern pride as all fans will receive a free clear tote bag with their purchase of season tickets.
To purchase yours now, visit EMUEagles.com/Tickets or contact the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
Follow Us
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
"I am very excited, but not surprised at all at his success at the combine," EMU Head Coach Stan Heath said. "He has always been a talented player and shows out and there was no question that he was going to stand out in a situation like the combine. I think a lot of people are taking notice of who he is and what he has done in the past. I really think this year has gotten him back in that position of being the guy they thought he could be. I am excited for him and I think he will continue to turn heads as he continues to perform in some of those (pre-draft) workouts with individual teams ahead of the draft."
Bates was among the top players in individual shooting drills as the Ypsilanti native finished in the top two in a pair of events. He connected on 83.3 percent of his attempts in the shooting-off-the-dribble drill as he finished tied for first after hitting 25-of-30 from deep. He then took second in the 3-point star drill as he connected on 19-of-25 attempts (76 percent).
Bates also took part in a pair of 5-on-5 scrimmages and was in the starting five in both games where he averaged 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks while playing 19.0 minutes per game. In the first game, he tallied nine points on 4-of-9 shooting (1-of-3 from deep) while pulling down five boards, blocking two shots, and stealing one pass while playing 21 minutes. He followed that up with 12 points (3-of-5 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three and 4-of-4 at the line) while adding two rebounds, two assists, and one block.
With the combine behind him, Bates will turn his attention to pre-draft workouts with several teams ahead of the draft. Having already worked out for the Charlotte Hornets (May 5) and meeting with the Dallas Mavericks, Bates is slated to work-out for several more teams, including (but not limited to) the Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and his hometown Detroit Pistons.
The 2023 NBA Draft will take place June 22 and will air on ESPN starting at 8 p.m. ET. The round event will be hosted by the Nets inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Should Bates hear his name called that night, he would be the first Eagle taken in the draft since 1998 when Derrick Dial was selected in the second round (23rd pick in the round/52nd overall) by the San Antonio Spurs. A selection for Bates also would make him just the 15th EMU player drafted in program history.
Bates, the lone MAC player invited to the combine, was an All-MAC Third Team selection following the 2022-23 season with the Eagles as he led the charge 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 shots, including nine triples, the ninth-most in a single game in program history. Bates, who scored at least 20 points 11 times, 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.
Season Tickets Are On Sale
Season tickets for the upcoming 2023-24 Eastern Michigan University basketball campaign are now on sale! With prices starting at less than $10 per game, the Eagles are ready to take flight inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Thanks to your support, average attendance more than doubled from the previous year and we want to see all of you back when we tip-off again in November!
When you return to the GameAbove Center, you will see and feel noticeable improvements to the gameday experience beginning with installation of Wi-Fi and upgraded 5G service throughout the arena. In addition, the video board upgrades will be completed to make the in-game atmosphere even better for fans in attendance. And this year, come to games showing your Eastern pride as all fans will receive a free clear tote bag with their purchase of season tickets.
To purchase yours now, visit EMUEagles.com/Tickets or contact the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
Follow Us
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
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