Overtime Elite

Overtime Elite is a professional basketball league for 16–20-year-olds, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The league is owned and operated by Overtime and was founded by Dan Porter and Zack Weiner.[1]

Overtime Elite
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2022–2023
SportBasketball
Founded2021
FounderDan Porter and Zack Weiner
Inaugural season2021–2022
CEODan Porter
AdministratorDamien Wilkins – general manager
No. of teams6
CountryUSA
HeadquartersAtlanta, GA
Venue(s)Overtime Elite Arena
Most recent
champion(s)		City Reapers
(2022-2023)
Streaming partner(s)Amazon Prime Video
Sponsor(s)Gatorade, GMC, Meta, State Farm
Official websiteovertimeelite.com

History

Overtime launched the Overtime Elite professional basketball league in 2021 for American and international basketball players between the ages of 16–20. Players receive a minimum salary of $100,000 annually, a signing bonus, and shares in Overtime's larger business. Players can also choose a scholarship option and maintain college eligibility. The company provides health and disability insurance and sets aside $100,000 in college scholarship money for each player if they decide not to pursue professional basketball afterwards.[2][3]

Athletes participate in an academic program featuring a 4:1 student-teacher ratio and a curriculum offering traditional high school subjects alongside life skill-related subjects in financial literacy, social media and other media training, and mental health and wellness.[4]

In April 2021, Overtime Elite hired former NBA player, University of Connecticut head coach, and NCAA Champion Kevin Ollie as its first head coach and head of player development.[5]

In May 2021, Overtime Elite announced the signings of Matt and Ryan Bewley, the first prep underclassmen to sign contracts with an American professional basketball league.[6] The league also signed Dominican guard Jean Montero in June 2021 as its first international player[7] and 16-year-old Jalen Lewis, the youngest American professional basketball player in history, in July 2021.[8]

In September 2021, Overtime Elite announced an exclusive partnership with Topps to create basketball trading cards on Overtime Elite athletes, marking the return of Topps to basketball trading cards.[9] In October 2021, Overtime Elite announced Gatorade and State Farm as brand partners.[10][11]

In January 2022, Overtime Elite announced a partnership with Meta to develop virtual reality content for the league.[12]

In April 2022, Overtime Elite announced the signing of Naasir Cunningham the number one basketball prospect in ESPN's Class of 2024. Cunningham is the first Overtime Elite player to forgo being paid a salary, preserving college basketball eligibility after graduating from high school.[13]

In July 2022, Pau Gasol joined Carmelo Anthony and Jay Williams on the Overtime Elite board of directors.[14]

In September 2022, Damien Wilkins was named general manager and Head of Basketball.[15]

In October 2022, Overtime Elite announced a partnership with GMC.[16]

In November 2022, Overtime Elite and Amazon Prime Video agreed to a multi-year global distribution partnership to stream 20 live Overtime Elite games per season for the league's next three seasons alongside the launch of a series on Overtime Elite in 2023.[17]

Overtime Elite Arena

Overtime Elite built a 103,000 square-foot facility in the Atlantic Stations section of Atlanta where players train, study, and compete.[18] The building has three NBA regulation-sized courts, including a neon-bedecked "show court arena" that can seat up to 1,300 spectators. The building also has a 7,000-square-foot fitness center, a hydrotherapy room, classroom spaces, a dining hall, and locker rooms.[19] The main court uses high-definition lights previously used only at Staples Center and Barclays Center.[20] The building was completed within six months.

In June and July 2022, the Professional Fighters League held three regular season events at Overtime Elite Arena.[21]

Exterior Shot of Overtime Elite Arena
Overtime Elite Arena Showcourt

Season 1 (2021–2022)

Overtime Elite's inaugural season consisted of three teams, Team Elite, Team OTE, and Team Overtime, playing against each other and against prep schools and high schools.[22] In May 2021, Overtime Elite announced the signing of Amen and Ausar Thompson, top-ranked guards in the 2022 class, and Matt and Ryan Bewley, top-ranked power forward prospects in the 2023 class.[23][24]

In the league's first season, Team Elite defeated Team OTE 52–45 in Game 3 of the Overtime Elite Finals to become the first league champion.[25] Ausar Thompson was named MVP of the Finals.[26]

After the season, Overtime Elite's Dominick Barlow signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs,[27] later becoming the first Overtime Elite prospect to play in the NBA on November 2, 2022.[28] Jean Montero also signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the New York Knicks.[29] Emmanuel Maldonado was also drafted by Mets de Guaynabo in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional League in Puerto Rico.[30]

In the summer of 2022, a group of Overtime Elite players competed in The Basketball Tournament and traveled to Europe to compete against professional clubs Basquet Girona, KK Mega Baskett, and KK Studentski centar.[31][32]

Season 2 (2022–2023)

In April 2022, Overtime Elite announced the signing of top-ranked 2024 recruit Naasir Cunningham, the first Overtime Elite player to accept a scholarship instead of a salary.[33]

In July 2022, Overtime Elite announced the signing of 8 new players for the 2022 season.[34]

In September 2022, Overtime Elite announced their expansion to 6 teams. Team Elite, Team OTE, and Team Overtime were rebranded as the City Reapers, YNG Dreamerz, and Cold Hearts. High School teams Hillcrest Prep Bruins, Our Savior Lutheran Falcons, and Word of God Holy Rams joined Overtime Elite for the second season.[35][36] In the same month, Overtime Elite announced a 90-game schedule with non-league games against Bryce and Bronny James, Cam Boozer, and Jared McCain.[37]

In October 2022, Overtime Elite announced a multi-year partnership with GMC.[16]

In November 2022, Overtime Elite announced the signing of top-ranked 2023 recruit Robert Dillingham.[38]

Ausar Thompson was named regular season MVP.[39]

The City Reapers defeated the YNG Dreamerz 3-0 in the Overtime Elite Finals. Ausar Thompson was named MVP of the Finals.[40]

Current roster
City Reapers
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.Nat.NameHeightWeightYrs
F35United StatesWilliams, Jayden6' 9" (2.06m)195 lb (88kg)1
G69United StatesParker, Trey6' 1" (1.85m)161 lb (73kg)1
G00United StatesMartino Jr., Ralph6' 6" (1.98m)166 lb (75kg)1
F15United StatesTiller, Bryson6' 9" (2.06m)214 lb (97kg)1
G0United StatesThompson, Ausar6' 7" (2.01m)202 lb (92kg)2
G1United StatesThompson, Amen6' 7" (2.01m)207 lb (94kg)2
G2RomaniaSomacescu, Tudor6' 3" (1.91m)200 lb (91kg)2
G25United StatesEllis, Eli6' 0" (1.83m)181 lb (82kg)1
F4United StatesBewley, Ryan6' 9" (2.06m)215 lb (98kg)2
G22United StatesClark, ZZ6' 2" (1.88m)194 lb (88kg)1
Head coach
United States Dave Leitao (Northeastern)
Cold Hearts
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.Nat.NameHeightWeightYrs
G31United StatesWalker, Johned5' 11" (1.8m)173 lb (78kg)2
C32NigeriaCyril, Somto6' 10" (2.08m)235 lb (107kg)1
G9United StatesBowman, Malik6' 8" (2.03m)228 lb (103kg)2
F3United StatesBewley, Matt6' 9" (2.06m)218 lb (99kg)2
F11United StatesSmith, Tyler6' 10" (2.08m)214 lb (97kg)2
G12United StatesGriggs, Bryce6' 2" (1.88m)205 lb (93kg)2
F21United StatesYat, Kok6' 9" (2.06m)181 lb (82kg)2
G5United StatesCobbs, De'Vontes6' 4" (1.93m)164 lb (74kg)1
F24United StatesCunningham, Naasir6' 7" (2.01m)163 lb (74kg)1
G1United StatesDillingham, Robert6' 2" (1.88m)163 lb (74kg)1
Head coach
United States Ryan Gomes (Providence)
YNG Dreamerz
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.Nat.NameHeightWeightYrs
G18United StatesHoward, Jakhi6' 6" (1.98m)172 lb (78kg)1
G6United StatesGortman, Jazian6' 2" (1.88m)172 lb (78kg)2
G10United StatesMartin, Jaylen6' 6" (1.98m)196 lb (89kg)2
F13SpainAlmansa, Izan6' 10" (2.08m)211 lb (96kg)2
G18United StatesCarlyle, Kanaan6' 2" (1.88m)175 lb (79kg)1
C20FranceSarr, Alexandre7' 1" (2.16m)217 lb (98kg)1
F23United StatesLewis, Jalen6' 10" (2.08m)233 lb (106kg)2
G27United StatesClark, TJ6' 3" (1.91m)186 lb (84kg)2
G26United StatesWarren, Bryson6' 3" (1.91m)174 lb (79kg)2
C34United StatesJackson, Jahzare6' 11" (2.11m)300 lb (136kg)2
F7BelgiumMissia-Dio, Nathan6' 9" (2.06m)215 lb (98kg)2
Head coach
United States Tim Fanning (Whittier)

Notable alumni
List of Overtime Elite players who played in the NBA
DraftPlayerNationality
2022 Dominick Barlow  United States

References
  1. Young, Jabari. "Overtime selects Atlanta for its basketball league that pays 16- to 18-year-olds $100,000". CNBC. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  2. Draper, Kevin (March 4, 2021). "A New League's Shot at the N.C.A.A.: $100,000 Salaries for High School Players". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  3. "Inside the New Basketball League Paying High Schoolers Six-Figure Salaries". Time. November 8, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  4. "Overtime Elite rolls out its pathway to the pros". www.sportsbusinessjournal.com. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  5. Gleeson, Scott. "Former UConn men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie to coach Overtime Elite, a league designed for top prep players". USA Today. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  6. "Top HS juniors moving to Overtime Elite league". ESPN.com. May 21, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  7. "Overtime Elite adds first international prospect". ESPN.com. June 4, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  8. Shapiro, Michael. "Lewis Signs With Overtime, Becomes Youngest American Pro". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  9. "Topps Marks Its Return to Basketball Cards With Exclusive Overtime Elite Partnership". Hybpebeast. September 28, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  10. "New hoops league for prep standouts signs deal with Gatorade". The Associated Prses. October 18, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  11. Sprung, Shiomo (October 27, 2021). "State Farm Announces All-new Partnerships with Overtime Elite". Boardroom. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  12. Cohen, Andrew (January 26, 2022). "Meta inks VR partnership with Overtime Elite league". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  13. "Top HS hoops recruit to sign with Overtime Elite". ESPN.com. April 25, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  14. "Pau Gasol joins Overtime Elite Board". Eurohoops. July 22, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  15. Williams, Lauren. "Overtime Elite's Damien Wilkins adding to family legacy". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  16. Sprung, Shlomo (October 21, 2022). "Overtime Elite Tips Off New Season with GMC". boardroom.tv. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  17. Maas, Jennifer (November 2, 2022). "Amazon Sets Global Distribution Deal, Including Season-Long Docuseries, With YA Basketball League Overtime Elite". variety.com. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  18. "New hoops league for prep stars building facility in Atlanta". The Associated Press. May 19, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  19. Green, Josh (November 8, 2021). "Photos: Inside Atlantic Station's new basketball arena". Urbanize Atlanta. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  20. Patterson, Anfernee. "Overtime Elite opens new facility at Atlantic Station". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  21. "Three weekends of professional fights coming to Atlanta". 11Alive.com. April 29, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  22. "Overtime Elite kicks off opening night with new rules, three wins and a buzzer-beater victory". Zagsblog. October 30, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  23. Taylor, Cody (May 25, 2021). "Five-star prospects Amen and Ausar Thompson sign with Overtime Elite". therookiewire.usatoday.com. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  24. Zagoria, Adam (May 21, 2021). "Five-Star Prospects Matt And Ryan Bewley Make History As First Signings For Overtime Elite League". forbes.com. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  25. LoRé, Michael. "After Successful Inaugural Season, Overtime Elite Wants To Keep Forging Alternative Path To Pro Basketball". Forbes. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  26. Shropshire, Terry (March 15, 2022). "Team Elite wins 1st title of Overtime Elite teen basketball league". Rolling Out. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  27. "Spurs Sign Dominick Barlow to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  28. "Raptors vs Spurs, November 2, 2022".
  29. Kasabian, Paul. "Knicks Rumors: Jean Montero Signs Exhibit 10 Contract with NY After 2022 NBA Draft". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  30. Williams, Lauren. "Overtime Elite's Damien Wilkins adding to family legacy". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  31. "From 6-foot-9 dream board to a gamble on Overtime Elite: How Amen and Ausar Thompson could become NBA stars". ESPN.com. August 31, 2022. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  32. "How projected top-5 draft prospects Amen and Ausar Thompson fared in 1st real test overseas". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  33. McDaniel, Mike. "Top High School Recruit Naasir Cunningham Joining Overtime Elite". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  34. Jordan, Jason. "Overtime Elite's Tim Fuller Discusses Influx of Top Prospects". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  35. "Overtime Elite Announce Rosters and League Expansion 2022–23". usasports.news. September 21, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  36. Sprung, Shlomo (September 22, 2022). "Overtime Elite Announces 2022–23 Rosters & League Expansion". Boardroom. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  37. "OTE faces Bronny, Boozer twins in 90-game slate". ESPN.com. September 23, 2022. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  38. Daniels, Tim (November 3, 2022). "Kentucky Recruit Robert Dillingham Leaving Donda Academy for Overtime Elite". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  39. Villas, Rexwell (February 21, 2023). "Ausar Thompson Gets Bragging Rights Over Amen Thompson With 2022-23 MVP". ClutchPoints. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  40. Guinhawa, Angelo (March 8, 2023). "Ausar Thompson, Amen Thompson's Overtime Elite Finals Domination Hypes Fans". ClutchPoints. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
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