(Photo: Overtime Elite)

Over the last week, Overtime Elite had their Opening Night as well as their Pro Day. With 29 out of the 30 NBA teams represented at Pro Day, and national media and scouts from all over the country at both events, one of the primary draws to Midtown Atlanta was projected lottery pick Amen Thompson. 

The 6-foot-7 guard from Oakland, California made the move to OTE after a stop in Florida. Having been one of the earliest signees, Thompson has had plenty of time to grow as a player under the OTE staff. 

“I feel like my game has developed a lot,” Amen said. “My shot, ball handling, reading the court. Being a leader mostly, that’s where my game has evolved cause I used to be a little bit shy. Now, I talk a little bit more.”

Thompson has risen up draft boards during his time at OTE and is widely projected to be a top-ten pick in the 2023 NBA draft. 

“I block that because a mock draft doesn’t really mean anything right now,” Thompson said of the draft buzz surrounding him. “I’m really just focused on getting better every day. You can’t let that stuff phase you or else you’re going to get complacent.”

When asked about what it is that Thompson believes that NBA scouts like most about him, he told the media scrum, “my ability to play defense…I can guard three, four positions. Playmaking, scoring, rebounding…I feel like I’m a versatile player.” 

During OTE’s Pro Day, scouts OTE Arena was filled with NBA personnel. 

“My improved shot was one of the main things I was trying to show,” Thompson said of playing in front of scouts. 

Also projected to be a top pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Thompson faced off against Scoot Henderson at HoopSeen’s 2021 Tip-Off event. 

“I feel like I’m a whole different player than I was from that game,” Thompson said. “Scoot’s doing great things. Hopefully, we can get a game.”

Another high-level match-up Thompson was asked about was the one between him and his twin brother Ausar. 

“Me every time,” was the only thing Thompson replied with when asked which of the two wins one-on-one battles. 

Before heading back to the locker room, Thompson admitted that Ausar might win one or two head-to-head matchups.