In the 2023 NBA Draught, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected forward Emoni Bates with the 49th overall pick. Daniel Gibson, a former Cavaliers hero, believes that NBA teams would regret listening to “chatter” and passing on the “special” youngster.
“Special, special,” Gibson said of Bates, according to Cavs Insider. “I say it every day: Teams will regret passing on ’em.” [They were] essentially listening to the conversation because from the moment he stepped into the gym, he wanted to outwork everyone, and he came in with a chip on his shoulder.
“The best thing about Emoni is that he is eager to learn.” He’s here to study and improve. Much of the chatter was that he wouldn’t be a good teammate, but he’s been the polar opposite. He’s a fantastic kid, and I believe he’ll have a long career in this league.”
Gibson went on to remark that he believes Bates would prove his critics wrong during his NBA career.
“I told him: Some guys are meant to have that story where you’re the No. 1, the top pick or whatever — but it’s an even better story when you can come in the second round and then show guys if you don’t quit and you keep being about the right things, you can prove everybody wrong,” he said. “And I think he’ll prove a lot of people wrong for a lot of years to come.”
Bates was widely believed to be one of the best high school players in the nation in his class but massively underperformed during his first season of college basketball. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.6 steals per contest in 18 games played with the University of Memphis during the 2021-22 season (13 starts).
