from espn: What Emoni Bates' and Jalen Duren's decisions will mean for men's college basketball in 2021-22 Jeff Borzello
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket...ll-2021-22
What is the likelihood that Bates and Duren will play together in 2021-22? Do they truly want to play together?
There has been some buzz over the past few weeks that the two have had conversations about playing together in college. Bates cutting Miami from his list leaves only two potential options for the two to play together at the next level: Memphis and the G League. With college looking to be the likely route for Duren, that would leave only Memphis. The Tigers are squarely in the mix for both players.
What would be the impact for Memphis if it gets one or both players? Do the Tigers then become a national title contender?
Landing both likely would vault Memphis into the top 10, while landing one would push the Tigers into the top 20. Bates will be in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick in whichever NBA draft he ultimately enters (as the rules stand, he's too young to enter the 2022 NBA draft), while Duren is also going to be a projected top-10 pick in 2022. As it is, the Tigers are a borderline Top 25 team entering next season, returning three starters from a team that won the NIT championship. Coach Penny Hardaway also added former projected first-round pick Earl Timberlake from Miami, as well as two ESPN 100 prospects and two other Power 5 transfers. It's a key season for Hardaway in Memphis, as he's entering Year 4 and has yet to reach the NCAA tournament. Bates and/or Duren would help push the Tigers over the top and into the Big Dance.
What would it say about college basketball if both Bates and Duren forgo college basketball and choose the G League path?
It would be a loss for college basketball, as both players -- particularly Bates -- would bring millions of eyeballs to the college game for as long as they play in college. If they team up together at Memphis, it would make the Tigers must-watch basketball next season. If they split up and go to different schools, it would make a couple more schools all the more intriguing for the season. I also think choosing the G League path would be a bit of a blow for the perception of name, imagine and likeness, which is expected to level the playing field when it comes to top prospects choosing between college and the professional route.