[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Emoni Bates
Frame: 6’9″, 190 lbs
Position: Forward
Team: Eastern Michigan
2023 Draft Age: 19
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

Bates was considered a top high school prospect when he reclassified in 2021 to join the Memphis Tigers. He appeared in only 18 games at Memphis, averaged under 10 points a game, and looked like he wasn’t enjoying himself. Transferring back home to Eastern Michigan University gave him a chance to push the reset button on his career and revamp his image a bit as well.

During this season, Bates was in the 74th percentile on catch-and-shoot opportunities, helping him to 1.13 points per possession (PPP). Shooting off screens, he was even better, in the 83rd percentile and averaging 1.17 ppp. Bates can get hot quickly and can fill up the bucket. He can be an instant offense piece off the bench at the next level, allowing proper floor spacing offensively.

Bates has a scorers mentality and will find ways to get his points. Though slight in frame, his length helps him to shoot over defenders, and he does have an impressive array of moves to free himself up for an open look.

The mechanics on his jumper are fluid though he exposes the ball outwardly a bit on his gather, which may be susceptible to defenders at the next level. Bates can put the ball on the floor and has enough control of his dribble to get free—but he doesn’t attack the basket as much as he probably should.

Bates needs to improve his playmaking and decision-making to keep defenders guessing. Adding muscle to his frame will help him absorb contact more effectively. He moves well without the ball, occasionally, if contact is not in his path.

Bates rebounds well on the offensive side of the ball for a player that does most of his damage on the perimeter. Second-chance points and putbacks became increasingly common throughout the season.

Defense

Bates’ defensive repertoire needs heavy development. His length can help him disrupt offenses, but he doesn’t seem to lock in every possession. As an offensive microwave type of player, he exerts himself on that end to his full ability, and defense suffers.

The speed and talent alone at the next level should give Bates an added item to work on if he wants to prove himself. Often found out of position on the floor, Bates must dedicate himself to becoming an average defensive player to remain on the court.

Effort and mentality will weigh heavy on how quickly Bates can grow and develop his defensive skillset for the next level. If he can attack the defensive side of the ball in the same manner he works on offensive moves, he can set himself up for a lengthy career.

Looking Ahead

As an aggressive, volume scorer, Bates has the offensive ability to find a roster spot but needs further development if he aspires to be more than a quick scoring option off the bench.

With Bates’ off-the-court problems, hopefully now, fully behind him, he can focus on his game and grow into a more well-rounded player. The most significant area of opportunity is his mindset toward defense and adding muscle to his frame.

Bates can have a very successful career with his scoring ability alone. Looking at a player like Chandler Parsons as a comparable forward with an offensive skill set that has the potential to continue to grow while adding the defensive instincts that can lengthen a career if no major roadblocks occur.