OT: MSU basketball recruiting drama between Emoni Bates and Jaden Akins
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
December 5th, 2020 at 4:01 PM ^
He needs to come play for Juwan, the players coach.
December 5th, 2020 at 4:03 PM ^
Agreed it’s why I want him there. Kid has never been truly coached and has acted like a baby on the floor for two years. He jaws and flexes at anyone and everyone on the floor then wonders why he gets a ball thrown in his face or pushed to the ground on a fast break. That was pretty common in the 90s in MHSAA if you ran your trap
December 5th, 2020 at 3:12 PM ^
Bates only committed to MSU as a favor; draw others there; he’ll never go there. Looks like that may be backfiring. Bates is talented but he needs to be put in his place eventually
December 5th, 2020 at 3:26 PM ^
Again I’d be shocked if bates actually enrolls at MSU.
December 5th, 2020 at 3:48 PM ^
Ypsi Prep has been a complete sham from the beginning. Anyone who went to that team signed up to be in Bates shadow why he builds his personal brand.His daddy is calling the shots and their coaching staff is a joke! Anyone promoting this squad, cough, Ant Wright, is completely clueless on what a joke this all this. MHSAA has major issues but having a bunch of clowns run a travel team isn’t going to catch anyone’s attention
December 5th, 2020 at 4:02 PM ^
I really like Akins' game and strongly believe he will be a productive college player. He will outplay his ranking. MSU got a good one.
Collins will be a fine player at M as well, with a vastly different style.
December 5th, 2020 at 4:06 PM ^
Is Akins the potential secret recruit someone here was mentioning might come here. ?
December 5th, 2020 at 6:20 PM ^
No. He signed with MSU
December 5th, 2020 at 5:19 PM ^
I hope neither one ends up being a UM player. There is no "T" in Primadonna.
December 6th, 2020 at 12:00 PM ^
It doesn’t really matter to me if Emoni goes to Staee. Izzo’s archaic sets and Bobby Knightesque shouting tend to stifle talent....in addition to us having the #1 2020 B1G class and #1 Nationwide!!