Amen Thompson didn’t play basketball in college. Along with his twin brother Ausar, he reached the conscious choice to forgo college and consent to a two-year agreement with the Atlanta-based competent league Overtime Elite (OTE).
For Thompson and Ausar to engage in high school basketball at Pine Crest School an entire year before the timescale, the family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The twins created their team debut right away. At Pine Crest, Thompson averaged 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as a sophomore, getting an honorary mention for All-County.
He was included in the sun-sentinel’s Broward County Fab Five preceding the start of his junior season. As a junior, he contributed 20.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while assisting his team defeat Santa Fe High School 90-83 in double overtime to prevail in the Class 4A state tournament. Thompson scored 43 points during the championship game to help Pine Crest climb back from an eight-point deficit with 45 seconds remaining in overtime.
He earned the Sun Sentinel’s Class 5A-1A Player of the Year honor with Ausar in Broward County. In the 2023 NBA draft, Thompson was regarded as one of the ten most promising prospects. Numerous anticipate him getting drafted in the draft lottery and possessing the ability to become an elite player in the NBA.
Amen Thompson dropped out of college to play in the OTE league
Stepping right out of high school, Amen was ranked a Four-Star recruit by Rivals and a Five-Star prospect by ESPN. Many people condemned him for refraining from college basketball, but OTE’s accomplishment validated Amen’s stance.
OTE season (Team OTE-2021-2022)
Amen’s inaugural Overtime Elite League season exceeded many assumptions. He had a per-game average of 14 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 steals. He competed for Team OTE and made it to his first OTE finals, but Team Elite compelled him to compromise for second place.
Amen Thompson performed with a lot of propel and tenacity and made goals at a rate of over 40%. His ball-handling prowess was impressive the entire season. He had formidable defensive games, particularly in guarding the perimeter with frequent steals and blocks throughout each game.
OTE season (City Reapers-2022-2023)
Amen Thompson retained to triumph over admirers and NBA personnel with his dependability and diligence. Thompson furthermore shot 56.6% from the court and totaled 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.3 steals, and approximately one block per game.
In terms of scoring, offensive rebounding, ball handling, and peripheral defense, Amen was undoubtedly persistent this season. He even performed brilliantly in the paint by aggressively defending the rim. Amen utilized his physical attributes more efficiently and accurately.
He also raised his average for rebounds to eight per game whilst maintaining his average for steals at three per game. Amen and his brother Ausar lastly defeated the YNG Dreamz 3-0 to claim the OTE Championship.