Ypsilanti Phenom Emoni Bates Commits To Michigan State

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Ypsilanti Lincoln basketball phenom Emoni Bates, the top player in the class of 2022, has committed to Michigan State. 

He announced his decision Monday on SportsCenter.

Bates also had offers from the likes of Michigan and Kentucky, but Tom Izzo and the Spartans were in on him from the start. Bates' father said last year that Michigan State was one of the only schools "showing love," along with Eastern Michigan. 

Bates echoed that sentiment Monday. 

"They've been showing love to me since seventh grade. They've been recruiting me hard since then. I'm big on loyalty, and they showed me a lot of loyalty," he said. 

A 6'8 forward, Bates has drawn early comparisons to Kevin Durant. He became the first sophomore ever to be named Gatorade National Player of the Year after averaging 31 points and 10 rebounds to lead Lincoln to a 19-3 record this season. 

He remains a candidate to turn pro directly out of high school if the NBA lowers its age limit by 2022, and noted Monday that he's not sure what his future might hold.