Video: Emoni Bates sophomore highlightsMichigan standout is recognized as the top prospect regardless of class.
In November, the 6-foot-9 wing landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated, with a story titled "Magic, Michael, LeBron ... Emoni Bates? Meet the 15-Year-Old Next In Line."
Widely recognized as the top high school prospect regardless of class, Bates made the Sports Illustrated cover two years before LeBron James did at 17.
Bates and his Lincoln teammates take the floor Friday night at Chelsea in a game that will be streamed live by the NFHS Network. See details below.
Bates scored 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Michigan's Division 1 semifinals, then pumped in a game-high 23 points in the state championship.
As a sophomore Bates picked up where he left off. He's averaging 30.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals per contest Lincoln, which is off to a 6-1 start.
Widely expected to skip college if rules permit, Bates has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant for his sweet shooting touch, elite scoring ability and unique length on the wing.
The 15 year-old prodigy is poised with a high basketball IQ and burning desire to win. Bates has also proven himself as a clutch player, known for taking over games late and making smart decisions in crunch-time.
The talented youngster finished with 33 points and 13 rebounds in his last outing, a 75-68 win over Detroit's Edison Academy. He dropped a season-high 40 points one game earlier in a 67-38 win over Dexter.
Emoni Bates, Lincoln
Photo by Scott Hasse
