An Insider’s Take
Manny Bates Commits to NC State
By Jamie Shaw
6’10” 2018 Post – Ranked #7 in NCs 2018 Class
Make no mistakes about it, Manny Bates is one of the premier shot blocker/rebounders in the country. That statement goes toward the impressive upside of Bates, seeing he is only 17 years old and been playing basketball for only a couple of years.
The upward trajectory of Bates has been spectacular to watch. It was only two years ago that the skinny 6’9” kid with a 7’4” wing span walked into the fall NC Phenom Exposure camp and opened so many people’s eyes. Since that day, the first time really anyone put eyes on Bates, he has been growing every day as a player.
To give a comparison for Bates, one college coach watching made the statement that Bates frame was similar to 2011 NBA draft pick Justin Harper at the same point in their development. With that said, the same coach also said that Bates was further along in his on court development than Harper at the same stage. That’s major praise as Harper ended up averaging 18 points and 7 boards as a 1st All-A10 performer and an NBA draft pick.
Bates is a consensus Top 100 prospect who picked up over 20 offers along the way. He ended up setting visits to NC State, Georgetown, Georgia Tech and South Carolina. He did not take the South Carolina and Georgia Tech visits.
Coming off a 2017 class that saw NC State bring in two point guards, Bates is NC State’s first commitment in the 2018 class. NC State is looking to bring in upwards of 6 players in this class.
Manny Bates has come through Phenom Hoops’ doors a lot over the last few years, including his very first exposure event…Let’s go through what we have said about him over the years…
2015 Fall NC Phenom Exposure Camp
#180 6’9” 2018 Immanuel Bates (Jack Britt HS)
Bates is definitely one to put in the memory bank and your SIM CARD. What you see currently is not the finished product. That being said, Bates has unlimited upside and potential. He’s extremely long and sports an enormous 7’3 wingspan that is accompanied with an equal impressive attitude. Coach Praeger stated, “Bates is an unselfish player. His attitude and interest in learning the game will serve him well in his development.” More importantly, Bates has solid athleticism and plays above the rim. The next step in his development is to get physically stronger which will come in due time. He has passer friendly hands and is also a willing passer out of the post.
2015 Phenom’s High School Jamboree
Immanuel Bates
6’9” Jack Britt HS (Fayetteville, NC)
Bates exudes upside, there is a lot to like with his future. Bates has a 7’5” wingspan and wears a size 18 shoe, as a 15 year old. Bates needs some strength, but he has a good motor, coordination, and timing. Bates is a new name to the list, so his recruitment has yet to start. He should have a lot of eyes on him. Bates has some similarities to Hasaan Whiteside at the same stage.
2017 June Team Camp
6’10” 2018 Manny Bates
Northwood Temple (NC)
Bates has taken a huge step forward in his development. He has always been long and able to move, now he has some strength and is playing with confidence. Bates is a supreme shot blocker, with natural timing. He has also added an 18 foot jump shot to his arsenal. His game is clearly on the rise and should continue to garner high major looks as he is a Top 75 type prospect nationally.