I find it hilarious that MSU fans have tolled Michigan for talking about being in the top 5 for guys like Nimari Burnett and then turn around and say "If he does go to college, it will probably be at MSU, but chances are that ain’t gonna happen".
I'd bet my left nut that Michigan has more of a chance with Burnett (some) than MSU has with Bates (none).
Not sure how the Burnett comparison is relevant, at all. Burnett is a lower 5-star recruit from Chicago currently playing in California. His top-5 list includes at least a few known shady programs, which is likely why you were seeing the trolling (which was mostly Indiana and Illinois fans, I believe). Bates grew up in Michigan
It makes a lot more sense that Michigan has a chance with Burnett, than
any school has a chance with a generational talent that is expected to go #1 in whatever year he enters the draft, especially when many expect that rule to change when he would be eligible.
Fact is that Emoni has been to a ton of MSU games. I saw him at one myself, last year around Xmas. I believe he's been to a few Michigan games as well. I know in the past he had mentioned that he liked Beilein.
“Coach Beilein is a good coach,” Bates said. “They are doing a really good job this season. They are playing defense and teaching them all the fundamentals.”
“I really like Coach Izzo,” Bates said. “I like the environment up there. I go up there all the time.”
Fact is that he has been working out with current MSU players Gabe Brown and Rocket Watts recently, just last month:
Fact is that he has mentioned MSU and Kentucky as 2 schools he's interested in, almost 3 years ago:
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/s...ops-prodigy-nations-no-1-7th-grader/97116086/
"Bates has been compared to Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors. Durant is his favorite player, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are his favorite team. He said Michigan State and Kentucky are his top college basketball teams. One day – possibly soon – he could be getting offers from the Spartans and Wildcats."
And then again last month:
https://247sports.com/ContentGaller...e-Adidas-Under-Armour-133669745/#133669745_10
Recruiting: If the NBA allows high prospects to enter the Draft, that’s likely what Bates will do. The schools he has mentioned if the rule doesn’t change are Michigan State and Kentucky.
I agree that he is likely not going to college anywhere, if he can go directly to the NBA. I also think MSU has a shot at him, if he does decide to go to college. Not sure what any of that has to do with Barnett