Last updated on: January 7, 2025

Elgin Bates is often referred to as E.J. He forms a significant aspect of the life of his son, Emoni Bates. A talented basketballer, Emoni has paved his way through to the NBA. Elgin had been there each step of the way, guiding him through each challenge and even teaching him how to play basketball. Let’s take a deeper look at who Elgin Bates is and just how he had helped Emoni become who he is.

Quick Facts About Elgin Bates

Early Life and Basketball Career

Elgin Bates was raised with a passion for basketball. He played basketball in college at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Even though it is a Division II school, the college has an excellent basketball program. After college, Elgin took his basketball talents overseas. He played professional basketball in Europe for five years. He played in Germany and Switzerland and had a lot of experience playing on different courts. After his playing days were over in Europe, Elgin returned to Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Starting to Coach Emoni

Elgin didn’t stop there with his own basketball career. He wanted to share his talents and experience with younger athletes, including his son, Emoni. Elgin began teaching Emoni basketball when he was three years of age. From the earliest age, Emoni had someone who knew the game forward and backward teaching him the fundamentals. He made sure that this particular time was spent on how he would improve himself so that Emoni could learn to play the right way.

As Emoni grew, Elgin continued to coach him and pushed him to his best level. Elgin’s coaching was on the teaching of a good work ethic and practice importance. This shaped Emoni into one of the best young basketball players in the country.

Bates Fundamentals and Ypsi Prep Academy

He formed his own basketball training group, Bates Fundamentals, to assist other young players in improving their skills. This group was devoted to providing its players with the necessary training and opportunities to help them succeed. It also featured an AAU team, for which Emoni played as a child. Elgin made sure his son, as well as the other kids, had top-notch coaching and competition.

He also established Ypsi Prep Academy, a special school for athletes like Emoni. Ypsi Prep was constructed to expose players more and give opportunities for players to compete against the best teams in the country. Elgin felt that this would be an important step for Emoni to become a better player and for scouts and colleges to take notice of him.

Family Support and Love

Elgin’s wife, Edith Bates, has always been a big part of Emoni’s journey. Edith works as a logistics supervisor at UPS. She is also involved with the American Red Cross. Even with her busy schedule, she has always made time to watch Emoni’s games. Edith is known as Emoni’s biggest fan. She has always supported him, not just as a player but also as a person.

Emoni also has an older brother, Elgin Bates Jr., who is in the music industry. The Bates family is very close-knit and always supported Emoni throughout his basketball career, cheering him at every step of the way.

READ ALSO: Emoni Bates Net worth, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Facts & More

Challenges and Controversies

Like many parents of young athletes, Elgin’s role in Emoni’s career hasn’t always been without its challenges. Some people have questioned whether Elgin’s coaching style has been the best for Emoni. Some believe that by creating a prep school team just for Emoni, he may have missed out on playing against a wider range of competition. Others feel that Elgin’s focus on Emoni’s career might have limited his exposure to different coaching styles and experiences.

Despite all this, Elgin remains supportive of his son. He believes that he has helped Emoni in the best possible way. Elgin continues to look for ways to grow his son not only on the court but off it too.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com