There are rapid player ascents, and then there’s the path of Antonia Bates, a player who has rocketed from obscurity into one of the best players in the 2022 Class. Bates has turned into a prospect that is an offensive weapon and elite defender. Antonia has the combination of size and athleticism and versatile ability to play inside and outside.
When did you started playing basketball?
Antonia Bates: My dad introduced me to basketball when I was 4 yrs old and I have been playing the game ever since. I truly love this sport and what it does.
Back in May, you tried out for the USA Team, what was your experience like at the USA trails?
Antonia Bates: It was a huge blessing to know that you are among the top 146 players in the country. It is an eye-opening experience to say the least and it is not like another weekend in the gym. I was competing against elite players in every aspect of the game. Players that match your athleticism, speed, and quickness. It was an opportunity to grow and get better, it showed me what I needed to work on.
Heading into the USA Trails, what do you think your biggest strength was?
Antonia Bates: I would say my court vision and the ability to play 1-4 on the floor. I can post up smaller guards if I need to or I can attack from the perimeter.
You dislocated your kneecap 2 weeks after the USA Trails… Tell me what that was like?
Antonia Bates: It was disappointing, because I knew I was going to miss helping my teammates on the floor during the summer, but it provided me the opportunity to be a leader without playing. I was still able to supported my Team Miller family and help my friends with cheering and etc. Now, I am healthy and looking forward to playing this fall for my High School.
What is like to play for Team Miller?
Antonia Bates: It’s amazing. The team is like a family, the love we have for each other is incredible. The coaching staff and program director really push us to be better players and people and really put us on platforms to showcase our skills.
What are your upcoming team/ and individual goals for this High School season?
Antonia Bates: My team goal would to win State and individually I want to be make First Team All- State and All-Tournament Team.
What are some of your current accolades that you have?
Antonia Bates: Last season, I was named Honorable Mention in our region and District.
Did you have a dream school that you wanted to play at growing up?
Antonia Bates: Notre Dame- I really liked Skylar Diggins.
What unofficial visits have you taken so far?
Antonia Bates: Rutgers and Virginia Tech
When thinking about your future college destination, does location play a factor?
Antonia Bates: No, location does not matter. I just want to play for a program that has a winning tradition, coaches are going to push you to excel on and off the court, and you are playing for championships. Also, I will be looking for a program that have success with player development and assisting their players in playing professionally. Further, I will be looking at a program that has a good reputation for their academics.
What are you looking for academically?
Antonia Bates: Physical Therapist
What are some of your future goals after college?
Antonia Bates: I would like to play in the WNBA, then work with professional athletes in physical therapy field.
What motivates you?
Antonia Bates: Being able to help my family. They have sacrificed a lot of resources for my dream and future goals and I would like to return the favor in the future and show them how grateful and bless I am to have them as my family.
Tell us more about you?
Antonia Bates: I am an energetic person, outgoing, bubbly. I am a hard worker and serious about winning and getting better as a player.
More about Antonia Bates
Favorite Food: Grilled Cheese, I am not a very good cook, my sister is Mikayla is better.
Favorite Song on my Playlist is Ballin by Mustard.
Favorite TV Show is Friends on Netflix.
Where would you like to visit: I would really like to visit Hawaii. I think it would be really fun.
Player Profile
