Five star megaprospect Emoni Bates, who has been often compared to Kevin Durant for his three-level scoring, has officially committed to the University of Memphis.

Bates narrowed down his choices to Oregon, Memphis, Michigan State and the NBA G League with the Ignite team. However, it seems he chose to forego the pro route–which many believed would be his choice–to play for Penny Hardaway and the Tigers.

In June 2020 Bates committed to Michigan to play for Tom Izzo and the Spartans. He then decommitted and later on reclassified to the class of 2021.

However, it is worth noting that the 17-year-old Emoni Bates will only be eligible for the 2023 NBA Draft, which means it's possible he plays for two seasons in Memphis or make a different move come his sophomore year in college as he prepares for the pros.

Bates is one of the most hyped high school prospects in recent history, and for a good reason. Fans and experts alike often compare him to Kevin Durant because of his ability to score from virtually anywhere on the floor. Sports Illustrated even described him as a player resembling a 6-foot-9 Curry–big words that show how good he has been this early in his career as a basketball player.

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As Emoni Bates joins Memphis, he will pair up once again with his former AAU teammate and fellow five-star recruit Jalen Duren in a Mephis roster that is already loaded with firepower. And with the new NCAA  rules allowing athletes to profit from their brands, the young gun could very well make the most of his status as one of the most marketable prospects in basketball.