OT: MSU basketball recruiting drama between Emoni Bates and Jaden Akins

Submitted by njvictor on December 5th, 2020 at 12:38 PM

So this has been going around on on Twitter a bit and thought it would be worth discussing:

MSU commit 2021 PG Jaden Akins has reportedly been kicked out of Ypsi Prep (the "school" that Emoni Bates and his father started). According to insiders, Akins and MSU commit 2022 F Emoni Bates have getting into it recently with each other about Emoni's effort, selfishness, and unwillingness to play team ball. Anyone who has watched Emoni play knows that he likes having the ball in his hands and Akins is usually the only other player on Ypsi Prep who also gets the ball. Apparently in recent games it's become pretty obvious that Akins isn't passing to Emoni. The word is Bates and his father pushed Akins out.

There was already speculation over whether Bates would ever show up at MSU, and this seems to cast more doubt on that. Curious to see how MSU staff reacts to this

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ldevon1

December 5th, 2020 at 1:05 PM ^

Quick google search gives no info, but I love the thought of this. Personally, Bates gives off the primary dona persona, and a part of me wants to see Izzo have to deal with that. I would imagine having your father as the only coach you've had your whole life, and you being his primary meal ticket, would create some issues. I would imagine that Ypsi prep wouldn't be around after next year anyway. How much talent are they going to have once Bates leaves?

Joined: 09/09/2015

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543Church

December 5th, 2020 at 12:45 PM ^

The whole Ypsi Prep "school" is just a showcase for Bates to get to the NBA, nothing more.  Any other players are just there so they can be mildly competitive against elite teams.

Joined: 03/09/2012

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San Diego Mick

December 5th, 2020 at 12:47 PM ^

I watched the game against the kid from Minnesota Chet Holmgren and Bates got outplayed, sure he scored a lot but his effort was suspect IMO, he took way too many bad shots and played selfishly and he looked frustrated that there was someone as good or better than him.

Akins was out there hustling tho, Bates could possibly be a big baby and I'd rather not have guys like that on my team no matter how potentially good they might be. 

Joined: 05/11/2011

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Megumin

December 5th, 2020 at 2:26 PM ^

I think Akins is officially signed on to MSU, so he would need to specifically request and receive an LOI release to go elsewhere. Would make sense that MSU would back the guy they already have vs the guy who could easily leave the class. Still, it's definitely not a great sign for Bates to MSU especially when he's already a huge question mark to go to college regardless.

I was wondering why Juwan and Michigan didn't at least try to pursue the most hyped guy since LeBron that hard, especially since he's in-state, but if there's an attitude issue on top of the direct to pro rumors, that would definitely be a valid reason to stay away.

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Solecismic

December 5th, 2020 at 4:26 PM ^

I doubt Howard would have passed up the opportunity. I can't imagine that Bates and his family hadn't made up their minds long ago. Throw in the likelihood that the NBA rules will change and he'll never see the court in college, plus this Ypsi Prep thing basically showing their hands... it is what it is. Howard's far too tuned into this world to miss a real opportunity here.

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Rico

December 5th, 2020 at 12:57 PM ^

Even though Bates is the big name commit, the rumors are that the MSU staff is backing Akins in this situation. They probably know that Emoni was never going to play college ball and don't want to lose Akins, especially since Michigan could end up being a favorite if he were to decommit from MSU.

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A Lot of Milk

December 5th, 2020 at 12:58 PM ^

Izzo's teams are much worse when they collect high 5 star types like Bates

Those teams with Bridges, Jaren Jackson, etc. did not give a single shit. But they always thrive with guys like Draymond, Cassius, and Tillman. I get that you take them when you can get them, but I always am a lot less nervous about MSU when their starting lineup is filled with one or two year guys who Izzo can't coach up vs their lineups with all upperclassmen

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Streetchemist

December 5th, 2020 at 3:02 PM ^

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Bates with regards to playing in college vs going pro. Most people seem to think there’s no way he plays at MSU but I’m not so sure. 

The one and done rule being eliminated doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen any time soon. Many had speculated it might be gone as soon as next year but according to guys like Woj and Givony, these talks have stalled and it could be several more years (~2025). This eliminates one way Bates could avoid college. 

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