CLAYTON BATES

Western Michigan has hired longtime Michigan State assistant Dwayne Stephens to lead its basketball program.

The Duquesne transfer and 2018 Wyoming Godwin Heights graduate announced his decision via Twitter and left open the possibility for a return to WMU. “Thank you to the fans and staff here at Western Michigan University for always being there for me and welcoming me with open arms,” Norman wrote. “I also want to thank coach Bates and coach TK for believing in me when a few did. Norman started 29 games for the 8-23 Broncos, leading the team and the MAC in scoring at 19.8 points per contest. Should Norman return to WMU, he’ll have one season of eligibility remaining, which will be played under a new head coach, following Bates’ resignation earlier this month.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Clayton Bates has resigned after two seasons as the head coach of Western Michigan’s men’s basketball program. In two seasons atop the program, Bates went 13-39 overall and 8-28 against conference foes. The Broncos finished in last place in the MAC this season and were ninth out of 12 teams last year. “Coach Bates has been a stabilizing and loyal member of the Bronco basketball family over several years,” first-year WMU athletic director Bartholomae said in a press release. “My most sincere appreciation to all members of the Western Michigan University Athletic Department for their efforts and hard work on behalf of the men’s basketball program.

Western Michigan men’s basketball head coach Clayton Bates is stepping down after two seasons with the program.

KALAMAZOO, MI - A pair of former Wyoming Godwin Heights hoops stars will be reunited at the collegiate level, as the Western Michigan men’s basketball team announced Thursday the addition of transfers Lamar Norman Jr. and Markeese Hastings. Both players were freshmen on Godwin Heights’ 2015 Class B state championship team, with Norman scoring 17 points in 15 minutes off the bench in the 84-68 win over Detroit Henry Ford, which featured former WMU star Josh Davis. After the Davidson game, Duquesne head coach Keith Dambrot told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review the transfer caught him by surprise, but added Norman is a quality kid. Godwin Heights' Markeese Hastings (1) dunks the ball during the high school basketball game between Godwin Heights and Grand Rapids Catholic Central at Godwin Heights High School in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017. Godwin Heights defeated Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 76-58.

Western Michigan guard B. Artis White drives to the basket during a game against Ball State. Overall, first-year head coach Clayton Bates said he is extremely proud of White’s development and how is adjusting to being the focal point of the opposition’s defensive game plan. “He works extremely hard; he put a lot of time in this summer,” Bates said during Monday’s press conference. “He’s cleared to participate; it’s a matter of now you have to be physically ready to play. At the same time, you have to practice every day if you want to play.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Michael Flowers will take the court for the upcoming college basketball season after all, following the NCAA’s decision to grant an immediate eligibility waiver at South Alabama for the former Western Michigan point guard. We were able to get the case re-opened and we got news today that (Flowers' waiver) was approved for immediate eligibility. Flowers entered the NCAA transfer portal less than a month after WMU fired long-time men’s basketball coach Steve Hawkins and just days after it announced the promotion of Hawkins assistant Clayton Bates to head coach. “I can’t overstate what Mike Flowers brings to our team from a basketball standpoint and a leadership standpoint,” Riley told AL.com. “And not only with his ability to score the ball, but he’s a play-making point guard, in terms of creating shots for other guys.