They always exist in sport, the very special talents. exceptional talent. Those who are already hyped and celebrated in their teenage years. For whom world careers are prophesied even before they have ever practiced their sport at the professional level.
One who fits that description perfectly is Emoni James-Wayne Bates. When the young American drew attention to himself with his skills on the basketball court, experts and fans overturned in exuberant enthusiasm.
2.06 meters tall, slim, long arms – countless comparisons with Kevin Durant were made. He was also named the best high school basketball player in the world, the best player since LeBron James, the new Steph Curry.
Emoni Bates was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers
No matter which NBA superstar Bates was compared to, everyone seemed to agree on one thing: this talent will one day be the number 1 pick in the top basketball league in the world.
Cleveland Cavaliers draften Emoni Bates
On July 7, 2023, the time had come, the now 19-year-old was selected in the NBA Draft. But Bates was miles away from number 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. So he was not selected as the first or second player, but in position 49.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have equipped the youngster with a so-called two-way contract, have struck. That means he can play for the Cavs in the NBA, but will also spend time with G-League team Cleveland Charge.
But how can it be that the once so highly acclaimed mega talent has fallen so low?
On the cover of Sports Illustrated at 15
In fact, everything had started promisingly. Basketball was born to Bates. Papa Elgin played as a professional in Switzerland for a few years, and his son is said to have dribbled through the house when he was only three years old, annoying his mother.
His talent quickly showed itself as a result. In seventh grade, he averaged 46 points per game in middle school and later led his high school to the state championship. He was even named the nation’s top high school athlete.
And so, in 2019, at just 15 years old, he was pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. A world career didn’t seem far away.
Father turns out to be of little help with the idea
But instead of continuing to work on his game in high school, his father created a very special project. The Ypsi Prep Academy was created to give his son the best possible environment. Selected teammates, selected opponents – and of course adequate sponsorship opportunities. Everything was tailored to the upcoming superstar, but this was not really helpful.
Bates was still busy with his scoring, but in interaction with teammates there were more and more problems. The next step was missing in his development.
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In the summer of 2021, Bates finally found his way to college and chose the Memphis Tigers. However, because head coach Penny Hardaway used the forward as a point guard, this chapter also ended in failure. Back problems did the rest.
9.7 points and 1.3 assists on average were everything, but not a brilliant achievement.
NBA talent Bates arrested by police
After an unsuccessful year, Bates decided to make a change, transferring to Eastern Michigan University in August 2022. Not an elite college, but still close to home. But the hope that the youngster would flourish again in familiar surroundings was dashed.
Just a month later he was arrested by the police. Bates had overlooked a stop sign, and during the subsequent vehicle inspection, officers not only found marijuana, but also a gun in his car.
After his lawyer explained that it was a borrowed vehicle, the athlete later pleaded guilty to attempted illegal transport of weapons. The charges were subsequently dropped because he was able to agree with his college to participate in a mentoring program.
Since then it has been steadily improving. He averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in 30 games and reported for the NBA draft in April.
Donovan Mitchell as a helpful teammate
The fact that the former super talent managed to make it into the best basketball league in the world after his fall makes him very happy. “It was a blessing, but it also humbled me. Many don’t get that chance at all. There were a lot of tears,” he explained.
And further: “Wow, I’m in the NBA. It’s still a shock to me.”
Emoni Bates has rediscovered his passion for basketball
Because of the difficult time that lies behind him, his passion for basketball was largely lost. But little by little she has returned.
With the Cavs, he wants to learn from one thing above all: Donovan Mitchell. Bates has known this for years. And there is so much to do. Physically, the 19-year-old lacks muscle mass – not unusual for a rookie. His game intelligence is also quite expandable.
Meanwhile, Cleveland fans are excited about their draft pick, hoping he can bounce back. In any case, he was already able to shine in the Summer League, won the title in Vegas with the Cavs and was selected to the second team in the Summer League.
Morant and Bridges – wrong role models for Bates
In the meantime, there is skepticism in the league, especially because of a recent statement by the youngster. So he thanked five NBA professionals for accompanying him “guiding” in the league.
The problem: In addition to Mitchell, Durant and Dejounte Murray, he also thanked Ja Morant and Miles Bridges. There could hardly have been worse examples that a young up-and-coming player cites as inspiration.
Morant has since been banned for 25 games after spreading guns on social media and allegedly attacking a teenager. Bridges missed the entire 2022 season over allegations of domestic violence, including allegedly hitting his wife in front of their two children.
If Emoni Bates wants to get back on the road to success and a career in the NBA after his long descent, he should rather not take the latter two as his role model.
2023-07-27 19:34:57
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