Michigan extended a scholarship offer to class of 2022 forward Emoni Bates today.
Blessed to say I received a offer from the university of Michigan🙏🏽 #GOBLUE pic.twitter.com/7Z0JvDwAZb
— Emoni Bates (@BatesEmoni) July 18, 2019
Bates is widely regarded as the best high school prospect, regardless of class, and led Ypsilanti Lincoln to a state championship as a freshman last season.
Most expect Bates to skip college and head straight to the NBA Draft, assuming that the NBA eliminates the one-and-done rule ahead of the 2022 draft. There has been some speculation that Bates could reclassify to the 2021 class and attend college for a season.
Bates was offered a scholarship by Michigan State last week at the Nike Peach Jam, where he averaged 32 points, 10 rebounds, four assists per game and shot nearly 55 percent from the floor.
New Michigan coach Juwan Howard has an existing relationship with Bates’ father:
Bates and Howard have known each other more than 25 years; one of his cousins and Howard are apparently very close. Bates said he’s been good friends with Howard for so long, they went to Chris Webber’s draft party together in 1993.

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Boards
Read the quote as Emoni had known Howard for 25 years. Made me pause and reread.
I hope he’s able to chase his dream how he chooses, I’m glad we offered. Have only heard solid things about the kid and it would be silly to not offer. If somehow the rules don’t change and he only had an MSU offer, man would that feel bad.
wooverine
The Franz Wagner of the 2022 class! Recruitment watch begins
bobohle
I too am glad he was offered especially when he lives close to AA. Really can’t get too excited now when he would be 2 or 3 yrs away from playing though.
bobohle
His dad has known Juwan 25 yrs.
Boards
Yup, got that on my reread. I’m 100% on board with that friendship and the greatness that is a U of M experience meaning that Emoni should play for our basketball team.