Manny Bates, the 6-foot-9, four-star power forward from Fayetteville (N.C.) Temple Christian Academy, committed to N.C. State on Friday.
Bates, who visited N.C. State earlier this month, chose the Wolfpack over Georgetown and also considered DePaul, South Carolina, Louisville, Xavier and Georgia Tech.
“Manny is amazing shot blocker who has great timing and anticipation,” Frederick Cannon, Director of Team Felton Basketball, told ZAGSBLOG. “He’s an elite level athlete who fits in well in today’s transition based offenses. Manny has worked tirelessly on his offensive game and has improved his skill set as a result.”
Bates will help offset the projected losses at N.C. State of Malik Abu, Omer Yurtseven and Lennard Freeman in the frontcourt. “Manny will be very productive on both ends of the floor this year in high school and on the next level he will be able to help right away as a weak side help defender and transition player,” Cannon said. “Once his body develops I believe Manny will get played to pay the game as a professional.” He is coach Kevin Keatts’ first commit in the Class of 2018. The Wolfpack remain in the mix for Oak Hill Academy center David McCormack and Oak Hill wing Keldon Johnson, among others. Photo: 247Sports