Amen and Ausar Thompson, the dynamic basketball duo from Overtime Elite, are on the cusp of a significant milestone – the 2023 NBA Draft. While they share a middle name (XLNC, pronounced “excellence”), a love for burgers, and remarkable on-court skills, their draft night attire will reflect their individuality as they embark on separate journeys for the first time.

Projected as top 10 picks, the 6-foot-7 guards from California acknowledge the bittersweet reality of potentially landing in different cities. Their shared sense of humor shines through as they contemplate this new chapter. “We’ll just constantly text each other,” Amen, the older twin by a minute, quips, to which Ausar playfully retorts, “But you don’t check your phone.”

Their father, Troy, instilled the middle name “XLNC” to empower them with a sense of greatness. He reflects, “Every time their name is spoken, there’s power behind it. Excellence, greatness – these are the words they live by.”

To further their basketball aspirations, the Thompson family relocated from the San Francisco Bay Area to Florida during the twins’ eighth-grade year. Their talent flourished at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, culminating in a state title. Despite receiving offers from prominent college programs, they chose an unconventional route, signing with Overtime Elite, a professional league in Atlanta. This decision allowed them to dedicate themselves entirely to basketball, gain significant muscle mass (25 pounds over two years), and earn a substantial salary.

After playing on separate Overtime Elite teams in their first year, the twins joined forces in their second season, achieving remarkable success. Amen led the City Reapers to the championship, averaging 17.2 points, 9.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds in the playoffs. Ausar also delivered a stellar postseason performance with averages of 21 points, 4.8 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. In a display of mutual respect, they each voted for the other for the league’s regular season MVP award, which Ausar ultimately won.

Their competitive spirit extends beyond the court, spilling over into video games and playful banter. They share a fondness for In-N-Out Burger, though their orders differ slightly. Their on-court styles are remarkably similar, characterized by explosive athleticism and exceptional court vision. Amen is projected as more of a ball handler, while Ausar is considered a combo guard. Mock drafts predict Amen going to Houston and Ausar to Orlando.

Their father, Troy, recognized their potential early on, witnessing their rapid improvement against older competition. He expresses his pride and anticipation for their future, saying, “I just want to enjoy watching them continue to grow into this dream and achieve the greatness they always talked about.”

The twins share a unique connection they describe as “twin telepathy,” which they believe gives them an edge both on and off the court. They have met several NBA stars, including Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry, and are eager to face their future competitors in the league. They even envision the moment they will meet on an NBA court, anticipating a “cool picture” that will capture their shared journey.