Emoni Bates

WESTFIELD, Ind. – The top two high school prospects of the last 16 years were finally on the court at the same time, but this wasn’t a head to head match up.

Emoni Bates, a freshman phenom out of Michigan, and LeBron James, who was one of the last high school players allowed to go straight to the NBA, playing the role of basketball dad. Bates’ team – Bates Fundamental – versus Strive For Greatness, a squad built around LeBron’s son, Bronny, a future high major recruit that will enter high school in the fall.

The stage was unique, and unlike any basketball game I’ve ever attended.

Scheduled for a corner court in the back of the Pacers Athletic Center, there were security guards stationed every 10 feet, surrounding the court from all sides.

It was standing room only with rows of people going back eight deep. There was even a friends and family section in the corner for LeBron, his mother, Nike executives and a host of other friends.

The crowd was there to see LeBron, and gauge how good his son will be one day. But the throng of basketball fans watching were treated to a show -- the Emoni Bates show.

Bates was sensational, showing his full scoring arsenal. From breaking down defenders off the dribble to nailing tough pull-up jumpers from mid-range and three to showing exceptional vision and passing ability, Bates did it all. His 43-point, 11-rebound outing was effortless. It was likely just a precursor of what his high school career will look like.

“It’s always been a dream watching him growing up,” Bates said about LeBron watching him play. “For him to watch me and play against his son was a real blessing.”

This moment felt different.

With arguably the best player of all time cheering on his son on one end of the court, you couldn’t help but wonder if Bates is the best prospect to come through the high school ranks since LeBron played at Akron (Ohio) St. Vincent St. Mary.

Perhaps that’s a lot to put on a 15-year old’s shoulder, but it’s not farfetched. There’s been some terrific freshman since LeBron that went on to stardom. DeAndre Ayton and Marvin Bagley come to mind. OJ Mayo was as dominant a freshman I’ve seen. Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum were phenoms at the same age.

Normally I’d be cautious with a player this early, but Bates is that good. The physical gifts mixed with the skill, scoring package, feel and motor make him a special prospect. Case in point, this wasn’t the first time LeBron has seen Bates play. He even pulled him aside two weeks ago at the first EYBL stop.

“He just told me he was proud of my toughness and just told me to keep going and staying in the gym,” Bates said.

The two may be 20 years apart, but they can relate.

“Watching him, he had the same publicity as me, and I just have to keep my head on straight and keep working,” he said.

Shortly after the game Bates was asked about colleges recruiting him. He mentioned Michigan State, Michigan and Kentucky. Then a familiar face and voice leaned into the interview. It was LeBron dapping up Bates and wishing him luck.

Fitting timing. The next question was if he’s allowed to bypass college for the pros will he do so.

“That’s the goal, that’s the goal.”