While the focus of this article is not solely on Emoni Bates’ journey to the NBA, it is important to recognize the incredible achievements of this young player. Bates led Ypsilanti Lincoln to the 2019 MHSAA Division 1 boy basketball state championship and was named Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year in 2019. He became the youngest basketball player to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated as a 15-year-old in 2019 and reached 1,000 career high school points in February 2020.
Emoni Bates’ High School Career and College Commitment
Bates had his best high school game of his career in February 2020, scoring 63 points and grabbing 21 rebounds in a double overtime win over Chelsea. He was named Gatorade National Player of the Year in April 2020 and committed to play for Michigan State in June 2020, transferring to Ypsi Prep Academy. However, Bates recommitted from Michigan State in April 2021.
2021 WNBA Draft Highlights
Shifting focus to the 2021 WNBA Draft, Aliyah Boston was selected as the No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever. Boston, who hails from the U.S. Virgin Islands, fulfilled her dream of playing in the WNBA. Other notable players drafted include Diamond Miller, Maddy Siegrist, and Stephanie Soares. The Dallas Wings traded future draft selections to the Washington Mystics for the fourth pick, Stephanie Soares, and selected Lou Lopez Sénéchal with the fifth pick.
2023 WNBA Draft and Notable Picks
In the 2023 WNBA Draft, Aliyah Boston was picked as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever, marking the first time in franchise history that the team had the first draft pick. Sedona Prince rescinded her decision to enter the draft and will transfer to TCU. On Her Turf provided live updates and highlights of the draft.
Tramon Mark’s Departure from Houston and NBA Draft Entry
Houston guard Tramon Mark plans to enter the transfer portal and declare for the NBA draft. Mark started all 37 games for Houston this season and averaged 10.1 points. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson confirmed Mark’s departure and thanked him for his contributions to the program. Mark has been a key player for Houston for the past three seasons and underwent shoulder surgery in December 2020. He helped lead Houston to a 1-seed in the NCAA tournament and played well in the tournament. Mark is the third Houston starter to depart since the end of the season, with Marcus Sasser and Jarace
Walker also entering the NBA draft.
