Bates' father slams rumors questioning son's future with Memphis
Memphis freshman Emoni Bates' father slammed a report indicating that his son's future with the program was in doubt Wednesday.
Emoni recently sustained a back injury but "absolutely" plans on rejoining his teammates on the court once healthy, his father, Elgin Bates, told ESPN's Jeff Borzello.
"He has an appointment to see a specialist back home about his back," Elgin said. "He's been having pain the past three weeks, and we're going to figure out what's going on."
Elgin added that his son is questionable for Memphis' game against Cincinnati on Thursday.
Emoni was at team practice Tuesday, a source told Jason Munz of the Commercial Appeal. The 6-foot-9 forward posted a photo on social media yesterday of him and his teammates rocking new shoes that he gifted them.
Based on Emoni Bates & and the rest of the Memphis Tigers Instagram stories, Bates gifted his teammates new shoes. pic.twitter.com/NmLoF2MEXg
— Cassie Carlson (@CassieCarlsonTV) February 2, 2022
Emoni was the No. 3 recruit on the ESPN 100 for 2021 after reclassifying a year early. The five-star prospect initially committed to Michigan State in June 2020 but reopened his recruitment less than a year later.
He's averaging 10.4 points on 38.6% shooting over 16 appearances this season.
Memphis is 11-8 on the season, including a 5-4 mark in American Athletic Conference play.