Rumors

One of the most recognizable Eastern Michigan athletes will be back in Ypsilanti next weekend. Former EMU basketball legend and NBA Hall of Famer George “The Iceman” Gervin will be honored at halftime of the Eagles’ men’s basketball game against Florida International on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Booth Newspapers

His early trials have been well-publicized by college recruiting sites and breathlessly quoted in anonymity by awestruck scouts, but for the unindoctrinated, Bates, a 6’8” guard from Ypsilanti, Mich., has been crowned by many as the best NBA prospect since LeBron James (or Kevin Durant, depending how you feel). He faced arguably the stiffest test of his fledgling career last week at the Nike Skills Academy in Thousand Oaks. Bates was the youngest player and only rising sophomore in attendance at the prestigious camp, which brings together the most promising prospects from the sneaker giant’s youth circuit and throws them into drills and scrimmages for NBA scouts to evaluate and pick apart. After playing in his own 15-under age group all summer, Bates held his own in a key proving ground against older players and stronger bodies, though not without some ups and downs. And while you can hedge and qualify everything while trying to guess at the future, it’s now impossible to deny the fact that Bates is on the way.

Sports Illustrated

Rob M (Ypsilanti, MI) Which MAC player has the best chance at a future in the NBA. DJ Cooper (Ohio), Zeke Marshall (Akron), or Javon McCrea (Buffalo)? Chad Ford (1:57 PM) Marshall probably has the most NBA buzz. But I have a soft spot in my heart for DJ Cooper. I think he has a chance as a NBA player.

ESPN.com