Butler coach Thad Matta has continued his offseason recruiting success with the addition of North Carolina State transfer Manny Bates. Bates will join the Bulldogs as a graduate student beginning with the upcoming 2022-23 season.

The 6-11 Bates was a dynamic post presence for the Wolfpack during his time competing in the ACC. His 147 blocks through his first two seasons place him fourth all-time in North Carolina State program history. Bates shot 64.7 percent from the field in his two seasons.

"Manny's presence defensively will be incredibly impactful; he blocks and alters shots at a high level," said Matta. "Offensively, his size and athleticism give him the ability to score in the post, in the pick and roll, and in transition. He's excited to get to Butler and will be key part of our success this season."

Matta has supplemented a young, talented group of Bulldogs with several quality additions from the transfer portal since taking over the Butler program in early April. Bates joins Georgia State big man Jalen Thomas, Akron wing Ali Ali, and another committed transfer who will be officially announced in the coming days.

Bates started the 2021-22 season opener but sustained season-ending shoulder injury in the first minute of the game.

As a redshirt sophomore during the 2020-21 season, Bates started 23 games, averaging 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. He led the Wolfpack in both rebounds and blocks; his 2.7 blocks per game also led the ACC and finished 11^th in the NCAA. His 64.1-percent field goal percentage was the best in NC State single-season program history.

As a redshirt freshman during the 2019-20 campaign, Bates led the ACC and ranked sixth in the NCAA with a 2.93 blocks per game average. He averaged 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 65.7-percent shooting. His 83 blocked shots are the most by a freshman and third-most overall in program history.

The consensus four-star recruit was ranked as the No. 78 overall player by ESPN and as the No. 101 overall player by 247Sports in the Class of 2018.

Season tickets are on sale now to cheer on the Butler men's basketball team at Hinkle Fieldhouse during the 2022-2023 campaign. The Bulldogs' home schedule features 18 contests, including all 10 BIG EAST opponents. Butler will also host a yet-to-be-determined Big 12 opponent.