Indiana has officially announced the signing of class of 2021 guard Tamar Bates.
The Kansas City, Kansas product announced earlier this week that he had committed to play for Indiana and new head coach Mike Woodson. He will be just the third Indiana player to wear jersey No. 53, following Tom Geyer and Ross Hales.
The full release from IU Athletics on Bates after he signed his national letter of intent is below, including a quote from Woodson.
See also: Bates highlights | High school coaches on Bates | Bates says Woodson promised to make him a better man
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson has announced that Tamar Bates, a 6-5, 180-lb., guard from Kansas City, Kan., has signed a Big Ten Tender and will attend IU and play for the Hoosiers beginning next season. Bates played his senior year at IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) under coach Sean McAloon and averaged 11.4 points and shot 40.0% from long distance.
“Tamar is a tremendous young man who will bring so much to our program,” said Woodson. “I think the first thing that stands out to me is that he is a winner. He brings a high level of energy on the court and is regarded as an unselfish teammate. He is an outstanding defender who makes 3-pointers at a high percentage, can attack the rim, has great vision and the awareness to make plays for others.”
Bates, is ranked as the No. 23 prospect in the nation by ESPN.com.
A two-time All-State honoree at Piper High School in Kansas City Kansas under Coach David Birch, Bates averaged 22.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game as a junior while leading them to a 21-1 mark and a spot in the Class 4A state semifinals. The tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He converted 58.0% from the floor, including a 44.1% mark from 3-point range, and 88.0 % from the free throw line that season.
He was named the Kansas All-Classes Player of the Year in 2020 and also was the winner of the prestigious DiRenna Award, which is presented to the top high school male and female basketball player in the Kansas City metro area.
As a sophomore, he led the Pirates to their first state hoops championship in Kansas Class 4A last year and scored 20 points in the team’s championship game win over Augusta. He averaged 16.7 points, 5.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds as a sophomore.
He also played for the KC Run GMC AAU program and Coach L.J. Goolsby.
Born on February 21, 2003, he is the son of Dr. Tyrone and Lajasima Bates. His brother, Trey, plays basketball at Kansas City Kansas Community College. He also has one older sister, La’Shana and two younger sisters, Trinity and Tamia.
He joins Cincinnati Moeller center Logan Duncomb as incoming freshmen in the Hoosiers 2021 recruiting class.
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