NC State forward Manny Bates may be headed to the transfer portal

Well, folks, it appears that the odds of Manny Bates being in an NC State uniform this season are not great at the moment. Why? Because reasons! Joe Giglio has some details this morning on Bates’ rumored transfer.

I don’t know how to respond to that in any way but with a shrug. It’s frustrating that this seems to be the way of things, where even the kids who have a good relationship with their coach decide there must be a better opportunity somewhere else. I mean, I’m not faulting Manny Bates here, don’t get me wrong: he should always do what he feels is best for his family and his career.

Clearly tampering is out of control in hoops right now, though, because there is no incentive not to do it: no way to really police it, and the advantages with the one-year transfer rule in place are obvious. I highly doubt you end up with this Bates situation without tampering going on.

Kevin Keatts just seems to have one thing after another submarine any progress he appears to be making, and I don’t know if he’ll be able to withstand this particular roster setback, but I hope for the best. It’s tough to see NC State making the NCAAs next year without Manny Bates.