

There is clearly star potential here, it’s just a matter of coaxing it out of Bates on a consistent basis.
#Imani bates mac
Taking on the eventual MAC champion Toledo, Emoni once again put on a superstar showing with 43 points (including 29 consecutive points) on 15-for-23 shooting from the field. Up against a historic SEC program in the SEC, Bates let it rain for 36 points while shooting 5-for-10 from beyond the arc. In the season opener against Michigan, he dropped 30 points on 63.2% from the field. 3 behind Chet Holmgren and Jaden Hardy.Īlthough he struggled to consistently take over games and lead Eastern Michigan to victories, it was reassuring to see Emoni step up when the brights were lightest. 1 recruit in ESPN’s 1, before reclassifying to 2021 and slipping to No. If we’re speaking truthfully here, if not for his disappointing collegiate performance, Bates is a player who would never have even been in reasonable drafting range for the Chicago Bulls regardless. Although Emoni Bates failed to repair his draft stock this season, this may have opened an opportunity for the Chicago Bulls to swoop in. The fact that Eastern Michigan stumbled to a terrible 8-23 record and tied for the second-worst finish in the MAC. On the other hand, it’s still quite concerning that Bates didn’t look entirely dominant against significantly weaker competition. On one hand, Bates significantly improved his box score statistics and shooting splits, as seen below: Whether he succeeded in that endeavor, well, it depends on who you ask. After a disappointing freshman season at Memphis, Bates would not join teammates Jalen Duren and Josh Minott at the 2022 NBA Draft, instead opting to return home to Eastern Michigan to repair his draft stock.

#Imani bates full
Whether that means the Bulls luck out in the lottery, trade cash or assets for a pick, or swoop in to secure a top undrafted player, there are always options on the board here.Īmong the most interesting opportunities worth pouncing on is Eastern Michigan’s Emoni Bates, who has seen his draft stock take a wild rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs since he first caught the nation’s attention in high school. The Chicago Bulls may not own the rights to any of their upcoming picks this year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t avenues to improve via the 2023 NBA Draft.
