Felony charges to be dropped for Emoni Bates, will be cleared to practice: All you need to know

All felony gun charges against former top prospect Emoni Bates are set to be dropped. Bates was arrested on Sept. 18 and was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and altering the serial number of a firearm. He has been suspended by Eastern Michigan since his arrest.

Bates' lawyer, Steve Haney, told ESPN that his client pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of attempted illegal transportation of a weapon. Haney negotiated a plea deal for the two charges to be dismissed. Bates will also need to complete a misdemeanor diversion program.

The Washtenaw County Circuit Court in Michigan is set to dismiss all charges on Wednesday. Once all charges are dismissed, Bates will re-join his teammates at Eastern Michigan and prepare for the upcoming season.

"I'm very pleased this matter has been resolved so Emoni can get back to school and join his teammates," Haney said.

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Eastern Michigan confirms Emoni Bates' reinstatement

Emoni Bates playing for the Memphis Tigers

Eastern Michigan confirmed Emoni Bates' reinstatement on Thursday, with athletic director Scott Wetherbee releasing a statement. Bates can now resume athletic and academic activities.

"The Eastern Michigan University department of athletics has received notification that there is an agreement between the Washtenaw County prosecutor's office and Emoni Bates' defense team that would result in the felony charges being dismissed," Weatherbee said. "In accordance with EMU athletics policies, Mr. Bates is immediately reinstated to all athletic and campus activities."

Eastern Michigan is scheduled to play an exhibition game against Grand Valley on Oct. 27. The Tigers will start their season on Nov. 8 against Wayne State. This game will be Bates' official debut for Eastern Michigan. He'll be playing in front of his hometown of Ypsilanti, Michigan.

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Will Emoni Bates get drafted next year?

Bates was once considered a generational talent.

Emoni Bates is a former No. 1 high school recruit in the country. Bates was also touted as the "next Kevin Durant" due to his size and skills. Sports Illustrated even called him a prodigy in 2019, comparing him to Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

However, Bates struggled in his rookie season with the Memphis Tigers last season, averaging just 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds. He decided to enter the transfer portal and return home to play for Eastern Michigan.

"I love my city and coming home to do something special was big for me," Bates said. "I've known several of the guys on the team from playing together and competing. Having a strong relationship and bond with my teammates and coaching staff was important to me."

According to NBA Draft Room, Bates is predicted to get selected in the second round of the 2023 draft. He can still improve his stock this upcoming season with Eastern Michigan. He was a known as scorer in high school, but was very inefficient in Memphis.