Following four seasons at NC State, including one as a redshirt, Manny Bates announced a transfer in early May to join returning head coach Thad Matta at Butler with the Bulldogs’ restructured roster ahead of the 2022-23 season.
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With four incoming transfer additions, Bates stands out as one of the most intriguing names in Indianapolis this offseason as a 6-foot-11 big man and former top-100 prospect who unfortunately missed time last year after sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury.
Averaging 7.1 PPG and 4.8 RPG during 54 career games for the Wolfpack, Bates’ numbers don’t instantly jump off the board. However, his best campaign came in 2020/21 managing 9.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and a conference-leading 2.7 BKPG earning himself an ACC All-Defense selection.Â
Not only will Bates be a major defensive asset for Butler, but he’s an effective contributor on the offensive side as well, having shot 64% on field goals while adding 2.1 offensive rebounds per game during that same sophomore season where he produced a career-high of 20 points against a solid Saint Louis squad.
Bates arrives in the Big East bolstering a resume with power five competition featuring two full seasons in the ACC under his belt and some high-level tournament experience having played in all of NC State’s 2020-21 NIT run including a 14-point, 8-rebound showing in the first-round win over Davidson.
The North Carolina native will be the rock that Matta looks to build Butler’s defense on and while he won’t be making highlight-reel dunks or passes, Bates will be an elite rim protector, an athletic rebounder, and a very strong interior offensive piece for the Bulldogs this season.
Impressive line for Manny Bates in Butler's win in Italy: 16 points (8-9), 10 rebounds, and two blocks in 31 minutes. Will be one of the best transfers in the Big East.
21 for Chuck Harris.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 9, 2022