Overtime Elite will begin its inaugural season soon with 24 elite prospects competing.
Besides the 17 American prospects that have been unveiled, OTE also recruited a bunch of international prospects — including Lebron Lopez.
It can be recalled that last July, Lopez, 18, decided to turn pro. Though a norm in the western hemisphere, it’s a road rarely taken by Filipinos as only Kai Sotto took it.
Lopez averaged 16.0 points on 45-percent shooting, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in his sole year in Ateneo High.
Lopez will be joined by Spain’s Izan Almansa, Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Maldonado, Belgium’s Nathan Missia-Dio, Dominican Republic’s Jean Montero, France’s Alexandre Sarr, and Romania’s Tudor Somacescu.
“These 24 exceptional young men with the support of their families, have charted a new path for athletes to maximize their talent through elite coaching, specialized academics, professional training, and economic empowerment,” said Aaron Ryan, OTE Commissioner and President.
“We are proud to recognize and partner with these trailblazers on their journey and look forward to bringing our fans closer to the game and players using the same innovation that has become synonymous with the Overtime brand.”
All players, including the international prospects, are expected to report at OTE’s Atlanta campus later this month to begin training camp and pre-season.
OTE will be making a series of announcements in the coming weeks including the league schedule, sponsorships, programming, and other details about the league’s historic inaugural season.
Other prospects are Dominick Barlow; Matt and Ryan Bewley; Malik Browman; TJ Clark; De’Vontes Cobbs; Jazian Gortman; Bryce Griggs; Jahzare Jackson; Jalen Lewis; Jaylen Martin; Jai and Tyler Smith; Amen and Ausar Thompson; Bryson Warren; and Kok Yat.
“Through our scouting efforts, we tapped relationships around the world to find 24 extraordinary young men who possess the talent, drive, and confidence to pioneer and disrupt an entrenched system,” said Brandon Williams, Head of OTE Basketball Operations. “This recruiting process has been enlightening and rewarding for players, families, program directors and coaches throughout the ecosystem. The diligence and persistence of the staff meant working through opposition, many sleepless nights, long discussions and in-person meetings, to get to these historic contract signings. The group has become family, forged in the fire of challenge, all striving for excellence.
“We are ecstatic with our inaugural roster and are counting the minutes until we are together in Atlanta.”
Every OTE player will earn a six-figure salary, with a guaranteed minimum salary of at least $100,000 per year, plus bonuses and shares of equity in Overtime. In addition, players will participate in revenue from use of their name, image and likeness, including through sales of custom jerseys, trading cards, video games, and NFTs.
