Former Memphis basketball player and No. 2 recruit Emoni Bates transferring to Eastern Michigan

The Memphis basketball chapter of Emoni Bates’ career has concluded once and for all.

Despite both sides reportedly entertaining the possibility of a reunion – which was accompanied by rampant speculation this week – Bates, the former No. 2 recruit in the country, will instead continue his career at Eastern Michigan in his hometown of Ypsilanti.

Last week, The Commercial Appeal reported Bates’ father had recently visited the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center (the Tigers’ practice facility) in an attempt to gauge coach Penny Hardaway’s interest in a return. On Monday, Hardaway refuted that during an appearance on YouTube series “The Doc Holliday Show.”

“The Emoni thing, I haven’t been approached by it,” Hardaway said. “He’s in the portal, and everybody’s putting everything out there, but I haven’t spoken to anyone from his camp.”

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In 18 games (13 starts) as a true freshman last season, Bates averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He came out of the gate strong, scoring a season-best 17 points in his debut against North Carolina Central in the Tigers’ opener. After that, however, Bates struggled to adjust.

On the court, turnovers began to pile up, defensive issues persisted and Bates failed to carve out a defined role. He also missed a lot of playing time, which were attributed to finger and back injuries.

Off the court, friction between Bates and some of the team’s veterans played out publicly during an early-season stretch that saw the Tigers lose four straight after starting 5-0.

Later in the year, Bates left the team briefly to see a “specialist” for a back injury, according to his father. It kept him off the floor from Jan. 27 until March 17, when he returned to play for the Tigers in the NCAA Tournament.

Story continues

Memphis has added a handful of newcomers this offseason: guards Kendric Davis, Keonte Kennedy and Elijah McCadden, wing Emmanuel Akot and center Kao Akobundu-Ehiogu.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Emoni Bates transfers to Eastern Michigan basketball from Memphis