Amen Thompson, projected top 5 pick, makes season debut
When Amen Thompson signed his contract with the Overtime Elite (OTE) program, he was not ranked among the country’s top 25 players. He was on the verge of blowing up, most likely entering five-star status in the subsequent updates, but as one OTE executive said, “We got him at the right time.”
Fast forward to Thompson’s second year in the OTE program, and he is universally being mocked somewhere in the top five for the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.
“I think NBA teams like my ability to play defense,” Thompson told On3. “I’ll guard three or four positions. I feel like there is a lot to like; I’m kind of a versatile player; play-making, scoring, and also rebounding.”
“I feel like my game has developed a lot since coming to OTE. My shot, my ball handling, really just reading the court and being able to be a leader mostly. I feel like that’s where my game evolved because I used to be a little bit shy.”
The season started off well for Thompson, and the buzz surrounding his name continues to grow. However, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, understands there is still a while to go before his draft day comes, and he has to continue the path.
“I block all that out, you know,” Thompson said. “Mock drafts really don’t mean anything right now.
I’m really just focused on getting better every day, and then I’ll focus on the NBA who want me, so you can’t let that stuff phase you, or else you gonna get complacent.”
Thompson during OTE Opening Night
Thompson had a much anticipated matchup during his first game of OTE Opening Night. Bronny James is a four-star guard for Chatsworth (CA) Sierra Canyon. And while the matchup brought a lot of eyes, it had a specific special meaning for Thompson.
“My favorite player is LeBron,” Thompson said. “So it’s kind of ironic to be playing Bronny, but I was a diehard LeBron fan.”
In the matchup, Thompson finished with a game-high 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Bronny, however, scored 16 after going 4-of-9 from three.
“I thought he was a great player,” Thompson said. “He was really poised. He was obviously fazed because I was guarding him, but he kept his composure and did stuff off the ball.”
Who wins, Amen vs Ausar
Amen also has a twin brother, Ausar Thompson, who is getting love in mock drafts as a lottery pick. The two grew up playing with and against one another. However, Amen suggests the matchups are not as close as many may think.
When asked who wins one-on-one, Thompson answers, “Me, every time.”
Thompson’s scouting report
Amen Thompson is a blur with the basketball. He is simply faster than most players he shares the floor with. The quick-twitch speed leads to upside on the defensive end. When you added his positional size and length, you can see why there is so much buzz about what he could be on defense. Offensively, he is still raw. The reads are not natural to him, but he is starting to see the floor better. The pace is also something that is coming along. His explosion is the best part of his game, so continuing to mature in slowing down and reading the play will be something to continue watching. He was 1-for-1 in this one from three. The jump shot has a tendency to flatten out, and the release is inconsistent; this has been a point of emphasis for him. The burst and explosion are high-level. As he continues to play, he should continue to improve his skill set and feel.