(11-15-2022 05:25 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(11-15-2022 02:59 PM)emu steve Wrote:  https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketb...52302.html

I’m exactly where this writer is at:


“While Bates’ array of step-back threes and contested jumpers were impressive against a Top 25-caliber opponent, he will never live up to the unfair expectations that were thrust upon him early in his high school career. He’s far from the next Kevin Durant. He lacks the physical tools to become anything close to that. But could Bates reestablish himself as a potential first-round NBA draft pick if he can score efficiently while also proving that he can withstand the physicality of college basketball? That, after Friday night, suddenly seems more realistic.“

I will second that with great emphasis.

The two most ballyhooed Michigan HS prospects in my lifetime were Earvin Johnson and Antoine Joubert. Magic had the physique, Antoine did not. Antoine and Emoni could get any shot they wanted in HS because of their height and would have soundly beaten Magic in a game of horse. Unfortunately, the physical and skill set horizon increases beyond shooting as a player moves from HS to NCAA and the NBA and Emoni does need to do some work.

Honestly, I doubt that Emoni will be a first-round pick, but I do think he is far more likely to sharpen his skills and develop his body at EMU than he would have had he stayed at Memphis.