Photo by Centre Athletics
Even though he was in Malta, an island country 50 miles south of Italy, for the last 8 1/2 months, Jacob Bates was almost always in the gym at least twice a day trying to make himself a better player for the Starlets Basketball Club.
The former Centre College standout wanted to show he not only belonged but could stand out in the top professional division in Malta — and he certainly did that.
Bates, the 2020 Southern Athletic Association Player of the Year and Division III all-American, helped his team win the league championship with a three-game playoff sweep. He had 28 points and 15 rebounds in game one and came back with 19 points, 13 rebounds and four assists in game two. He saved his best for game three when he had a triple-double with 23 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
“It has been a grind but winning a championship makes it all worth it. Being on the court and playing with these guys has been awesome and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Bates said after returning to Kentucky.
Bates averaged 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game his senior season at Centre but suffered a torn ACL in his final game. He had to overcome that injury — and COVID — to get his chance to play professionally. That made this championship even more special to him.
“I am extremely proud of what we were able to do this year. The past two seasons, the Club has been in first place heading into the playoffs and they were both canceled due to COVID, so finishing what the past teams started felt great,” Bates said.
“We knew we were capable and just had to go out and show that we were the best team, and I believe we did that in a dominant fashion. The team is still young and they have a bright future. I am just glad I was able to leave my mark this season.”
Bates was confident in his ability, especially in big games, when he went to Malta to play professionally.
“I’ve always been very confident in my game and how I handle myself, especially when it comes playoff time, so I was going to do whatever it took to help bring my team a championship,” Bates said. “I have always felt like passing the ball was one of the biggest strengths to my game, so it was surprising to finally have my first career triple-double in the closeout game with 10 assists.”
However, he was solid all season. He averaged 18.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 28 minutes per game and certainly sent a message that Division III players could play at a high level.
“People get so caught up about what division you are playing at, but there are guys at all levels who can absolutely play. My American teammates played Division II and NAIA, and they are some of the best basketball players I have ever played with/against, and I played against Kentucky (in an exhibition game),” Bates said.
“We played against teams this season with all Division 1 Import players, and even an NBA Draft pick and NCAA D1 national champion, and we were able to come out on top. If you can play, you can play.”
Bates believes his play is already drawing interest from other European teams in higher level leagues. He expects his agent to be in contact with other international teams about next season.
“Not sure exactly where yet, but wherever it is, they are going to get a guy who competes and will do whatever it takes to win,” Bates said.
Bates is now home in Oldham County for the summer where he will continue spending time in the gym to prepare for next season. He also is looking forward to spending time with family and friends who he didn’t see for almost nine months.
“Any extra free time I have will be spent on the golf course or by the pool more than likely,” he said.
He did have time for some off the court moments in Malta but one of the best came after the championship.
“One of my favorite off the court moments would have to be going to the blue lagoon as a team to celebrate the championship. We were able to get a boat and spend the whole day in the beautiful water with warm weather and just relax,” Bates said.
“There were lots of times where we spent holidays with teammates over here and that will always mean the world to me. Taking us in from across the world and treating us like we were their own family is something I will always remember and those relationships will last a lifetime.”
You can watch Jacob’s season highlights here.
