On the basketball court, freshman guard Ronald Bates isn’t the tallest person on the team. He’s actually the shortest. But his big heart, laid-back attitude and talent make him a fan favorite.

His exciting approach to basketball has been a perfect fit for a Golden Eagles team that was lacking fan appeal last season. But the way Bates handles his skill is what made head coach Kim Elders recruit the Central High School graduate and Grand Rapids native. 

“We liked his fiery, competitive spirit,” Elders said. “He’s a true competitor. He’s coming off the bench, but he’s a spark plug. He brings a lot of energy and intensity to our team, and he’s a very good defender.”

Bates didn’t have to overcome many obstacles on the court when he was growing up, but college basketball presented has a bit of a challenge for the 5-foot-8 guard.

“Everyone growing up wasn’t that much taller than me, but in college it’s a different level,” Bates said. “Everyone is taller than me; I’m probably the shortest person in our entire league, within our conference. But it doesn’t bother me.”

Bates has learned to use his height to get the results he needs on the court.

“I’m very sneaky,” Bates said. “I use my shortness and quickness to my advantage. I’ve adapted to it so I know how to use all my skills and abilities. Sometimes it comes into effect, because I can get through small holes that big, tall people can’t get through.”

Bates started playing basketball for fun at a young age, and when he reached fourth grade he began participating in recreational leagues.

“Basketball kept me off the streets,” Bates said. “Because I grew up in a rough neighborhood, it kept me focused.”

One of the people who influenced him to play to his best abilities was a close family member, who went to the same schools he did. He provided Bates a bit of competition, and it challenged him.

“One of my cousins went to the same high school I went to, and he was an all-state athlete and went to college and played,” Bates said. “That encouraged me to try and break his record, but he was a taller person so that was kind of hard. But I still made all-state.”

Elders had good things to say about the freshman guard.

“He’s a great kid. Brings a lot to our team, on the court and off the court,” Elders said. “He gets along with the guys well; he’s just a neat kid to have on the team. He’s very humble; he’s just a likable kid, and he’s well-liked with our fans.”

Cornerstone fans, though, almost didn’t get a chance to witness Bates dart around on the basketball court as a Golden Eagle. Before the school year started, Elders was sure Bates would play basketball at Ferris State University. But once it fell through, Elders was relieved to find out that Bates had chosen Cornerstone.

“We thought it was a done deal that he was going to go somewhere else,” Elders said. “But the next thing you know, he’s getting a hold of us saying that he was coming here. God led him here, so that was exciting.”

Bates is happy with his choice to come to Cornerstone.

“I like the environment,” he said. “People are friendly. It’s just a good place to be. And people on the team are good people. I get along with them pretty well. I’m just glad to be here at Cornerstone University.”