Remember when Emoni Bates announced her commitment to Michigan State basketball, which broke the internet?
Many expected he would go pro after high school and forgo college to make professional money while practicing for the NBA, but Michigan State fans hoped he would stay committed to the Spartans despite all the money thrown at him.
Unfortunately, the allure of the recruiting process was too strong, and he was too persuaded to renew his recruitment, therefore closing the door on the chance of recommitting.
Bates eventually committed to Memphis, where he played 18 somewhat lackluster games as the country’s former top overall recruit before transferring the following year. He ended up back at home, playing for the green and white of Eastern Michigan.
In his one season with the Eagles, he averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, almost defeating Hunter Dickinson and Michigan early in non-conference play. He received an NBA look and is now with the Cavaliers. However, he was not the unanimous No. 1 overall pick he expected coming out of high school, and others questioned whether things would have been different if he had stayed with Michigan State.
He, too, seemed to be wondering about this.
On Thursday, he wrote on Facebook about his regrets from his younger days and how he wishes he could go back and do it all over again — thanks to Andrew Cumbow for the tip.
It’s apparent that he regrets not sticking with the Spartans and restarting his recruiting at the age of sixteen. He could’ve played for a Hall of Fame coach and perhaps improved his draft stock, but he chose the easier path, which was Memphis, where he’d be able to play how he wanted and now like he should with his club.
Bates said he understands why supporters don’t forgive him for his misdeeds, but he has changed and appears to have matured significantly.
Fans should have forgiven him by now because the scenario seems like a lifetime ago, and the Spartans have moved on to win a Big Ten title with that recruiting class (thanks, Jaden Akins).
It’s incredible to believe that Izzo was on the verge of having a class with Piette Brooks, Bates, Enoch Boakye, and Jaden Akins, but the Senior Day for that group featured only one individual.
