Aris Thessaloniki added more size for its return to the BKT EuroCup by signing center Manny Bates, the club announced Tuesday. For Bates (2.11 meters, 23 years old) this will be his first professional season. Bates played at Butler University in the 2022-23, averaging 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 25 appearances.
Prior to his one year at Butler, Bates played at North Carolina State University. He was a force in the 2020-21 when he averaged 9.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, but then suffered a right shoulder dislocation in the first minute of 2021-22 season opener, which forced him to miss the rest of the season. He then transferred to Butler and now is ready to test the professional waters with Aris.