Michigan State basketball: Emoni Bates saga took an interesting turn

The Emoni Bates saga isn’t quite over yet, folks.

After he decommitted from Michigan State basketball this past spring, it looked like the Spartans had missed out completely and the dream was over. Heck, I was so sure that Michigan State no longer had a shot that I wrote about the dream being “officially” over.

Well, the tables have turned over the past few weeks as he released a top eight with Michigan State as one of the small number of college programs on his list. He also listed Oregon, Baylor, and Memphis as his finalists along with a few pro options.

It still seemed like Michigan State was only there because he felt like he owed Tom Izzo the respect after his sudden decommitment.

But that’s not the case.

On Wednesday, Emoni released a top four with Michigan State, Oregon, Memphis, and the G-League.

Was this still just him trying to make up for his sudden decommitment or is he looking seriously at the Spartans again?

After his first top eight a few weeks ago, there were reports that Michigan State wasn’t an active player in his recruitment, but recent events have changed things. It looks like the Spartans made his top four and that wasn’t a huge surprise because there’s been more communication between the two sides.

This is a good development if both sides have been talking and it might mean that Izzo is open to the idea of adding him to the roster for 2021 — oh yeah, did I mention he reclassified as well?

The 2021-22 Michigan State basketball roster would be title-worthy

If Emoni did choose Michigan State, he would have two years to burn before he can enter the NBA draft because he doesn’t turn 19 until January of 2023. He could play a year of college and a year in the G-League or even a year at Michigan State and then a year to prepare for the draft. Either way, he’d instantly upgrade the roster.

Emoni may not be handed the keys to the team, but he’d be an instant star, joining the likes of Gabe Brown, Max Christie, and Marcus Bingham Jr. — those are my picks to break out this year.

The Spartans’ starting five would go from top-five in the conference to arguably top two and a borderline contender to clear contender.

Michigan State would love Bates here and it’s hard to believe he could be on campus in a month.