Recruiting Report: Gavin Bates (2018)
If you were to make a list of most underrated players in the 2018 class, Gavin Bates would almost assuredly be towards the top of it.
Bates, a 6-foot-3 guard from Sibley East, averaged 24 points per game as a junior with the Wolverines and spent the grassroots season with Comets Servaty where he showcased his vast set of skills.
“It was a great experience,” Bates said of playing with Comets. “Loved the guys, loved the team and loved the coach. He helped me a lot with just getting my name out there and the talent we got to play against was amazing. It was a great experience because it forced you get better and it shows you what you do well and what you need to work on.”
There isn’t much Bates can’t do on the court. He’s an ace defender and has the versatility to guard at least three positions thanks a combination of strength, quickness and smarts. He’s a strong slasher and scorer especially from the mid-range. He uses his size and strength to bully opposing defenders to get to his sweet spots on the floor.
Bates played a lot of point guard over the summer for Comets Servaty and spent a lot of time deferring to teammates and trying to get guys involved rather than force his own offense. He’s certainly capable of putting up points though too.
“I want to be more aggressive on the offensive side,” Bates said. “When I talk with college coaches that’s the big thing. ‘You defend, you work hard, you do these things. We want you to be more aggressive scoring.’ So that’s something I’m prioritizing. A lot of it is in my head. I know I can do it but I don’t always have it in my mind to go try to take over.”
Bates has drawn a lot of interest from local schools at the Division II and III level.
“A lot of D-Threes in Minnesota,” said Bates. “St. Johns, Concordia-Moorhead, St. Mary’s, Gustavus, Eau Claire in Wisconsin. Bemidji State and South Dakota School of Mines too. I’ve visited St. Johns, Gustavus, Concordia, School of Mines. Had a camp and partial visit with Bemidji. Also visited Eau Claire. I’m not in a big hurry to commit so we’ll see what happens.”
He looks the part of the Division II or NAIA perimeter player and has some options at that level. If he does opt for the Division III level, he’s going to make a program very happy.