Bates was named as an assistant coach for the Rangers in August 2025, and brings a wealth of coaching experience, dating back to 2012 when he was named the first ever student assistant basketball coach at Bob Jones High School in Madison, AL. Bates served in this role during his junior and senior years and assisted in leading his team to the Elite 8 state finals in 2014.
After graduating high school, Bates earned a scholarship to coach basketball at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he was mentored by Head Coach Lennie Acuff from 2014 through 2019. During his tenure as student assistant coach at UAH, the Chargers earned two Sweet Sixteen NCAA Tournament appearances; won two Gulf South regular season championships; and made four NCAA tournament appearances. Bates had an instrumental role in coaching several all-conference players, all-south region players, and current professional international players.
Bates joined the coaching staff at Delta State University in 2019, under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Nienaber and Associate Head Coach John Redman. During Bates’ tenure at Delta State, the team earned two Gulf South Conference Tournament appearances, and he was instrumental in coaching several players who received numerous all-conference and freshman-of-the-week awards.
Bates also holds experience as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Snead State University, where he lead the team to an ACCC Conference Championship appearance.
Bates graduated from Delta State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In addition to his love of coaching basketball, Bates has an unrivaled passion for all things Mississippi State, and enjoys spending time with family and his dog, Izzy.
