Watch Memphis star Emoni Bates' highlight-reel dunk vs. North Carolina Central

It didn't take long Saturday before Emoni Bates made a highlight-worthy play.

The Memphis basketball freshman wing, with the Tigers leading North Carolina Central 15-7 eight minutes into the game at FedExForum, brought the ball up the floor and was being guarded by Dontavius King.

Bates, the 6-foot-9 sensation, got by King with a smooth crossover dribble, then darted toward the goal and finished the play with a thunderous one-handed dunk. The play got everyone on hand on their feet and even got Penny Hardaway's adrenaline pumping, as the Tigers coach smiled and flexed as he walked onto the court after a timeout was called.

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Memphis led the game 38-23 at halftime. Bates had a team-high 13 points and four rebounds. In his collegiate debut, Bates scored 17 points in a win over Tennessee Tech on Tuesday.

Bates' highlight-reel play gave fans and media members plenty to talk about. CBS Sports' Kyle Boone tweeted: "Emoni Bates is very fun."

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball: Watch Emoni Bates' highlight-reel dunk vs. NC Central