Ausar Thompson

After being deemed a five-star recruit during his time at Pine Crest High School, Ausar Thompson decided to sign with the Overtime Elite basketball league with his brother, Amen, rather than play collegiately. Instead of playing high school basketball as a senior, Thompson was part of Team Elite during the 2021-22 season, where he won the inaugural OTE title and was named the Finals MVP. During the 2022-23 season, he joined City Reapers, where he was named MVP behind 16.3 points on 48/30/67 shooting, 6.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks in 27.6 minutes per game. Again, Thompson led his team to an OTE championship and won the Finals MVP. Thompson's highlight-reel offensive plays get most of the attention, but the wing's defense might be where he makes the biggest impact out of the gate. He's hyper-athletic and versatile, which may allow him to defend all positions but center, especially when the other team runs small. He'll jump in passing lanes and pick pockets to start fast breaks, and he's a great shot-blocker for his size. Offensively, he's best with a head of steam toward the basket, whether than be on or off the ball. When he has the ball in his hands, he's an excellent passer who has demonstrated patience and precision. Thompson has the look of a potential star, though he may need to follow in the steps of other two-way playmaking wings without knockdown-jumpers. Most NBA comparisons come with a caveat - a more passing-focused Jimmy Butler, a longer Markelle Fultz, a bouncier Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It may not be in Year 1, but Thompson could end up as the primary ballhandler for a team soon.