Bates played for De La Salle Green Archers men's basketball team starting in 2018. In the first round of his first season (2019), he only averaged 1.8 points on 36% shooting, on top of 7.2 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 17 minutes of play. He later proved to be a reliable interior defender and rebounder. He scored 10 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks on an elimination game against UST De La Salle won the game 80–79.[1][2][3] Before leaving La Salle, he averaged 8.43 rebounds.[4]
Bates got selected by Meralco Bolts in the 2023 PBA draft as 8th overall, but he did not sign a contract earlier because he wanted to go home to Australia.[6]
Sharing play time in centre position with Raymond Almazan, he was seen as an energizer[7] with a shot-blocking ability. He had 6 blocks and 13 rebounds in the Game 7 semifinal match vs. Ginebra in 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.[8][9][10][11] He helped his team to win the first championship against San Miguel Beermen. His most notable game was playing with flu in Game 5 while guarding June Mar Fajardo.[12] Another notable moment was a dunk in Game 6.[13]