Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Clemente Almanza

Emoni Bates confirms future pre-draft visit with the Thunder

The 2023 NBA draft lottery is officially over, as it confirmed the Oklahoma City Thunder will pick No. 12 in the first round of the draft.

It’s also draft combine week, which means all of the top prospects are gathered in Chicago, Ill. This means that most players will likely be asked who they’ve worked out and met with so far.

Buy Thunder Tickets

According to BSO’s Daniel Bell, the Thunder plan on meeting with Eastern Michigan forward Emoni Bates in the near future for a pre-draft visit and workout.

Most know Bates’ story by now. After being one of the most highly-touted high school prospects ever, the 19-year-old struggled in his first season at Memphis in 2021-22, which forced him to transfer to Eastern Michigan.

In 30 games last season, Bates averaged 19.2 points on 40.5% shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He also shot 33% from 3 on 7.7 attempts.

While he never developed into the blue-chip prospect most thought he would, Bates could be a nice second-round gamble. For the Thunder, they’ll likely get a shot to draft him at No. 37.

The 2023 NBA draft is scheduled to happen on Thursday, June 22. A full list of prospects who’ve met with the Thunder can be read here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.