How will Michigan Basketball replace Frankie Collins?
Emoni Bates, Memphis
Bates’ inclusion is bound to be controversial, as is everything with him and the Memphis program in general.
To be clear, my opinion is that Bates would bring more of a circus to Ann Arbor than he is worth, especially if he plays the way he did at Memphis this past season.
However, there is no denying his potential.
Bates was the top-ranked player in the 2022 class before reclassifying to the 2021 class to play this past season under Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway.
After a tumultuous few months, Bates missed nearly two months from the end of January to mid-March due to an injury or temporary leave of absence — it was a curious situation.
He has aspirations to be a lottery pick in the NBA Draft, and many thought he would be after one season in college, but his struggles on and off the court have sent him to the transfer portal in search of a situation to rehab his reputation.
Who better to get a kid walking on the right path than noted player’s coach Juwan Howard?
Bates averaged just south of 10 points per game on 38.6% shooting from the field and nearly 33% shooting from three-point range.
His length and athleticism would be very intriguing next to the shooting ability of Llewellyn, sophomore Caleb Houstan (should he return), incoming true freshman wing Jett Howard, and All-Big ten center Hunter Dickinson.
However, he is not a true point guard and only averaged 1.3 assists per game at Memphis, although he did flash with a six assist performance against Cincinnati in January.
Taking Bates would certainly be a swing for the fences, but with a swing, that big comes the opportunity for a strikeout.
Next. 3 thoughts on Frankie Collins transfer. dark
Of the names listed, Sherfield seems like the best fit culturally and on the court for what the Wolverines need, but Bates certainly has the most upside of the trio.