Bates is entering his 13th year as associate head men's basketball coach at Saint Xavier.  He previously worked as an athletics director and coach at Tabernacle Christian Academy for 15 years.  His teams posted a 385-93 record during his tenure and captured five straight prep conference championships as well as a regional and sectional title during the 1995-96 season.

Bates received his bachelor of science degree in business administration and marketing from Trinity Christian College (Ill.) in 1988.  He also played basketball at Trinity Christian and was the nation's fifth leading scorer during his sophomore year.

He currently lives in Richton Park, Ill., with his son, Nicholas.