Memphis freshman Emoni Bates, expected to be among the top picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, will not play in the Tigers' game Thursday against the Bearcats in Cincinnati, according to a report Tuesday night via Twitter from Jake Fischer.
Fischer added in the tweet that Bates' "future with the program has suddenly come into question."
ESPN's Jeff Borzello reported late Tuesday that Bates' father said his son is dealing with back pain and plans to return to the basketball court for Memphis when healthy.
More from Borzello:
Elgin Bates said his son - the No. 3 prospect in the ESPN 100 for the 2021 class - is questionable for Memphis' game on Thursday at Cincinnati.
"He has an appointment to see a specialist back home about his back," Elgin Bates said. "He's been having pain the past three weeks, and we're going to figure out what's going on."
