5 Shocking Truths About Amen And Ausar Thompson: The Twin NBA Stars Who Rewrote The Rulebook

The Thompson Twins, Amen and Ausar, have become one of the most compelling storylines in the NBA, not just for their talent but for their unprecedented journey to the league. As of December 2025, the identical twins—Amen with the Houston Rockets and Ausar with the Detroit Pistons—are deep into their sophomore seasons, showcasing the explosive athleticism and defensive prowess that made them historic Top 5 picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. Their unique path through the Overtime Elite (OTE) league cemented their status as trailblazers, but their second year in the NBA is proving whether their gamble on a non-traditional route will pay off with long-term superstardom.

Their on-court development, especially in the 2024-2025 season, is under a microscope, with analysts comparing their progress as they navigate the pressures of rebuilding franchises. While Amen has settled into a primary playmaking role in Houston, Ausar has continued to be a defensive anchor in Detroit. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date profile on the Thompson brothers, detailing their latest performance metrics and the fascinating biographical facts that shaped their rise from high school phenoms to NBA history-makers.

Amen and Ausar Thompson: A Complete Biographical Profile

Amen and Ausar Thompson are more than just NBA players; they are a study in parallel excellence. Born just one minute apart, their careers have mirrored each other through high school, the professional developmental league, and finally, the NBA. Their journey is a testament to the dedication of their parents, who prioritized their development from a young age.

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• Full Names: Amen XLNC Thompson and Ausar XLNC Thompson
• Born: January 30, 2003, in San Leandro, California
• Age: 22 (as of December 2025)
• Parents: Maya Wilson and Troy Thompson
• Sibling: Older brother, Troy Jr.
• Middle Name: XLNC (pronounced "Excellence")
• High School: Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
• Pre-NBA Career: Overtime Elite (OTE)
• NBA Draft: 2023 NBA Draft (made history as the first brothers drafted back-to-back in the Top 5)
• Amen's Team/Pick: Houston Rockets, 4th Overall Pick
• Ausar's Team/Pick: Detroit Pistons, 5th Overall Pick
• Heritage: Jamaican (through their father's family)

The Overtime Elite (OTE) Experiment: Skipping College to Go Pro

The decision by Amen and Ausar Thompson to forgo the traditional college basketball route and sign with the newly formed Overtime Elite (OTE) league in 2021 was a watershed moment in basketball development. It was a move that drew both praise for its innovation and criticism for its untested nature, but ultimately, it paid off handsomely for the Thompson twins.

A Professional Path for Development

The OTE league is a professional league based in Atlanta, designed for top high school-aged prospects. The twins signed two-year contracts that included a minimum salary of $100,000 per year, plus bonuses and a share of equity in Overtime. This unique model allowed the twins to focus solely on basketball training, skill development, and playing against other top prospects and professional players, all while receiving an education. The OTE environment offered a professional structure that many felt was superior to a one-and-done college season.

During their time with OTE, both Amen and Ausar established themselves as elite two-way prospects. Amen, generally viewed as the primary playmaker and point guard, showcased his exceptional court vision and explosive first step. Ausar, often playing the shooting guard or small forward, became known for his lockdown defense and elite vertical athleticism. Their OTE experience culminated in a historic draft night where they shattered the precedent for non-NCAA players and became the highest-drafted players ever from a developmental league outside of the G League Ignite.

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2024-2025 NBA Season Comparison: Amen vs. Ausar

The true measure of the OTE experiment lies in the NBA performance of its alumni. In their sophomore (2024-2025) season, both Amen and Ausar Thompson have taken significant steps forward, though in different roles and with varying statistical outcomes. The head-to-head comparison reveals two young stars whose games are built on a foundation of elite athleticism but are diverging in their offensive skill sets.

Amen Thompson: The Rockets' Playmaking Engine

Amen Thompson has solidified his role as a key contributor for the Houston Rockets. His elite burst speed and passing have made him a dynamic threat in transition and a capable secondary playmaker in the half-court. His statistical improvement in the 2024-2025 season reflects an increased role and greater confidence, particularly in his ability to attack the basket and finish through contact.

• Team: Houston Rockets
• Role: Point Guard / Small Forward
• Games Played (2024-25): 69
• Points Per Game (PPG): 14.1
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 8.2
• Assists Per Game (APG): 3.8
• Key Development: Amen's defensive versatility remains a highlight, but his improved rebounding and increased scoring efficiency are the biggest takeaways from his sophomore year. He is increasingly showing the capacity to run the offense, a skill that was highly touted coming out of OTE.

Ausar Thompson: The Pistons' Defensive Stopper

Ausar Thompson has continued to be a defensive force for the Detroit Pistons. His length, anticipation, and high-flying vertical have made him one of the league's most impactful wing defenders, capable of guarding multiple positions from point guards to power forwards. While his offensive game is still developing, his ability to generate extra possessions through steals and offensive rebounds provides immediate value to the Pistons.

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• Team: Detroit Pistons
• Role: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
• Games Played (2024-25): 59
• Points Per Game (PPG): 10.1
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 5.1
• Assists Per Game (APG): 2.3
• Key Development: Ausar's defensive intensity is elite, often leading the team in defensive metrics. The focus for his sophomore year has been on refining his jump shot and improving his decision-making as a secondary ball-handler, two areas where he shows consistent, albeit slow, progress.

The Future: Competing Twins and International Ambitions

The rivalry between the Thompson twins is a source of fascination for NBA fans. While they are incredibly supportive of each other, the natural comparison between two players drafted back-to-back ensures a lifetime of friendly competition. Every time the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons face off, it becomes a must-watch event, a battle of two different approaches to the small forward position.

Looking ahead, the twins have also expressed interest in representing their family's heritage on the international stage. Both Amen and Ausar, whose father's family has Jamaican roots, have indicated they are open to playing for the Jamaican national basketball team. This decision would further cement their unique legacy, adding an international dimension to their already historic professional careers.

Ultimately, the story of Amen and Ausar Thompson is still being written. They are the pioneers of the Overtime Elite path, the history-makers of the 2023 NBA Draft, and two of the most athletic young stars in the league. Their sophomore season performance shows clear growth, and as they continue to refine their respective games—Amen focusing on playmaking and Ausar on defensive dominance—they are on track to become perennial NBA All-Stars and define a generation of twin talent.