Emoni Bates cuts his list to four, Oregon remains an option

In late July Emoni Bates, the top prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, included the Oregon Ducks on his non-traditional top-8 post high school list. The list included four other schools and three professional options – the G-League, the Overtime Elite League, and the National Basketball League.

Now, barely two weeks later, Bates has cut his list in half. Only the G-League remains among non-college options, while Oregon is one of three schools remaining alongside Memphis and Michigan State, where he initially committed over a year ago.

Bates also made the decision to reclassify and join the class of 2021, meaning he will be eligible to suit up at his next stop as soon as next year.

While it is extremely exciting to think about adding Bates, who has drawn comparisons to Paul George, on Oregon’s roster in the fall, it seems very likely he will take his talents to the G-League rather than going the college route.

Still, being among the top three schools on Bates’ list is a testament to how strong of a recruiter Dana Altman has become, and it is a great sign for future recruiting efforts in Eugene.

Plus, there’s always a chance Bates makes the move out to Oregon – which would instantly elevate the Ducks into the national conversation heading into the 2021-2022 season.

List

Ranking the 9 Ducks who are most likely to be NBA lottery draft picks next