Class of 2021 four-star guard Tamar Bates commits to Indiana

  • 04/19/2021 10:25 am in

Tamar Bates, one of the top remaining players available in the class of 2021, committed to Indiana on Monday.

Bates, a 6-foot-5 guard who is lefthanded, originally signed with Texas, but opted to reopen his recruitment after Shaka Smart left for Marquette.

The No. 56 player nationally according to the 247Composite, Bates is originally from Kansas City but played last season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

The addition of Bates solidifies Indiana’s backcourt depth as the Hoosiers now have a solid stable of guards that also includes Parker Stewart, Xavier Johnson, Rob Phinisee, Trey Galloway, Anthony Leal, Khristian Lander.

As a junior at Piper High School in Kansas City, Bates averaged 22.1 points, five rebounds, 4.1 assists and two steals per game. He shot 58 percent from the field and 44 percent from behind the 3-point arc.

Following his junior season at Piper, Bates opted to transfer to IMG Academy for his final high school season.

Here’s what Jerry Meyer of 247Sports wrote about Bates recently:

Thin build but has some length for a skilled combo guard type. Has a burst of athleticism, to go along with high level instincts. A lefty and possesses a shiftiness to his game. Three level scorer who can make tough shots in traffic on the move. Accurate deep shooter. A good driver with either hand and can pass well with either hand. Primarily a scorer but also sees the court as a distributor. Dangerous on defense. Jumps passing lanes, has good hands, and has lateral quickness. Needs to develop strength as a rebounder and one-on-one defender.

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