The second round of the 2023 NBA draft saw the Cavaliers use their pick at No. 49 to select an intriguing prospect in Emoni Bates, a former top-ranked high school recruit who starred as a transfer at Eastern Michigan last season.
Cleveland’s selection of Bates, who was ranked No. 1 in the recruiting class of 2022, presents the promising 6-foot-6 forward with an opportunity to continue his career at the next level following a turbulent two collegiate seasons.
Widely touted as a multi-faceted scorer, Bates gained national attention playing high school basketball for two programs in Ypsilanti, Mich. He committed to Michigan State in April 2021 before later reclassifying to the class of ’21, and withdrawing his commitment in order to enroll at Memphis.
