In a rather special year for the Draft since some of the very best players of the 2023 promotion are not playing in the NCAA this season (Victor Wembanyama in Betclic Elite, Scoot Henderson in G-League), the twins Amen and Ausar Thompson set themselves up as a spokesperson for the Overtime Elite.
Despite major persistent doubts about its level of play, which is particularly weak, the league created in 2021 by the company Overtime is increasingly appealing to young high school talent. For what ? Because they have the possibility of receiving significant salaries to prepare for the NBA, in a development framework close to the professional world and which ultimately has nothing to envy to that of the G-League Ignite, for example. Even if the overall level of play remains much higher in the antechamber of the league.
In any case, for the Thompsons, young stars of this young league and probable “lottery picks” in the Top 5 in June, it was without a doubt the most interesting track.
” I feel like it was the best decision for me, because at university there is more pressure. The programs need to win right away, otherwise the coach can lose his position » argues for example Amen Thompson. “TYou don’t necessarily have the time to develop aspects of your game that you need to work on. In OTE, development takes precedence. Even though the games are important, development is at the heart of the concerns, and this is important for young players. »
Players still very raw
Areas of development such as shooting and readings on ‘pick-and-roll’ “Explains Ausar Thompson, who also recognizes that his shot had to be completely rebuilt. ” Before, I thought my shooting was really aesthetic. Because it was coming. Then I learned that my mechanics were different every time. »
Same observation with his brother Amen, who judges that the NBA franchises “ learned a lot about his vision this season, but who conversely admits that he has ” got a job to correct his shot, so much so that he no longer dared to watch his old shot on video. “‘But what was going through my head’, I said to myself he assured.
In short, even if they are well aware that they are still far from being finished products, even though they were still high school students only two years ago, the natives of Oakland assure it: they are ready to land in the NBA, and they are especially confident in their chances of performing there.
” I can’t wait to get into the pre-Draft process, find out where I’m going on Draft night, and see my progress Ausar Thompson humbly concluded, when Amen Thompson, more incisive, preferred to warn his future Draft competitors. ” I hear that Victor [Wembanyama] and Scott [Henderson] are untouchable, blah blah. But I don’t care. I do what I have to do, and I know that at the end of the day, I’m one of the best players this year. »
Confidence reigns, therefore, and that is a good thing. It now remains to make the transition between the modest Overtime Elite and the NBA. The hardest part is yet to come for the Thompson twins!
