Emoni Bates could miss Memphis-Cincinnati game but 'no plans' to leave program, father says
Emoni Bates might miss Memphis basketball's game at Cincinnati on Thursday (6 p.m., ESPN2), but don't correlate the freshman's possible absence to his standing within the program, his father told The Commercial Appeal.
Elgin Bates batted down a Bleacher Report report published late Tuesday that suggested his son's status with the Tigers had "suddenly come into question." The report cited anonymous sources.
"I have no clue what that's about," Elgin Bates said in a text message. "(Emoni) has an appointment to see a specialist back home about his back. He's been having pain the past three weeks and we're going to figure out what's going on."
Elgin Bates confirmed his son won't play against Cincinnati "unless he's cleared to play." When The Commercial Appeal asked Bates whether there are any plans for Emoni Bates to leave the Memphis program, he said, "no plans at all."
Bates attended practice at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center on Tuesday, according to a program source familiar with the situation. Multiple videos were posted on Instagram on Tuesday evening of Bates surprising his teammates with Nike shoes and apparel.
MEMPHIS BASKETBALL MAILBAG: When will the Tigers finally be healthy?
GIANNOTTO: Memphis basketball's injury issues don't have to be all bad. Just watch Josh Minott
Bates signed with Memphis in August 2021 after reclassifying out of the 2022 class, where he was rated the No. 2 junior prospect in the country. His addition to a group that already included Jalen Duren, Josh Minott, John Camden, Johnathan Lawson and Sam Onu helped coach Penny Hardaway secure his second No. 1 recruiting class in three years.
Bates' freshman season has been up and down. The 2020 National Gatorade Player of the Year from Ypsi Prep (Michigan) has averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 16 games (13 starts). He started strong, scoring a season-best 17 points in his debut against North Carolina Central in the Tigers' opener.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Emoni Bates has 'no plans' to leave Memphis basketball, father says
