AMEN THOMPSON
Early Life And Family Roots
- Full Name & Birth: Ameiz XLNC “Amen” Thompson was born on January 30, 2003, in San Leandro (Oakland area), California to Maya Wilson and Troy Thompson—of Jamaican descent through his father. He has an identical twin, Ausar, born one minute later, and an older brother, Troy Jr., who played college basketball. Their middle name “XLNC” is pronounced “excellency.”
- Early Training: Beginning rigorous basketball training together at age seven under their father’s guidance, Amen and Ausar trained intensely on local courts in San Leandro. Home‑schooled in grades 6–7 to focus more on basketball, the duo drew inspiration from players like LeBron James and trained at places such as Lou Richie’s Triple Threat Academy.
High School And Alternative Path
- Pine Crest School (Florida): The Thompsons moved to Fort Lauderdale, where Amen attended Pine Crest School. There, he helped the team win the Florida state championship in the 2020–21 season and earned a five‑star recruit rating by ESPN.
- Overtime Elite (OTE): Rather than finishing senior year, Amen and Ausar joined OTE in Atlanta in 2021. Amen played for Team OTE in his first year and then for the City Reapers in 2022–23. He averaged about 16.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.9 APG, and 2.3 SPG, earning All‑OTE First Team honors in 2023. In the OTE Finals, he hit a buzzer‑beater to help the City Reapers sweep the league title.
NBA Draft And Rookie Season
- Entry to NBA: Amen declared for the 2023 NBA Draft and was selected 4th overall by the Houston Rockets. His twin Ausar was picked 5th by the Detroit Pistons—marking the first time brothers were taken in the top‑five of the same draft.
- Rookie Impact: In his 2023–24 rookie season, he averaged approximately 9.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 0.6 BPG while shooting around 53.6% from the field. He was named to the NBA All‑Rookie Second Team. Notably, he recorded the Rockets’ first rookie triple‑double since Steve Francis in April 2024.
Second NBA Season (2024–25)
- All‑Defense & Leadership: Amen earned the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month in January and was selected to the NBA All‑Defensive First Team for 2024‑25, a testament to his elite defensive versatility. He posted about 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, leading Houston in both.
- Statistical Leap: As a starter, he averaged roughly 14.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.8 APG in about 32.2 minutes per game, shooting over 55%. In seven playoff games versus Golden State, those numbers rose to around 15.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.3 APG.
- Defensive Excellence: Houston’s top-rated defense hinged on Amen’s ability to guard every position. He held opponents to under 41% shooting when targeted, and he thrives off critics’ doubts—literally keeping “receipts” as motivation.
- Playoff Spotlight: In his playoff debut versus Steph Curry, Amen showcased full-circle growth—from attending Curry’s youth camp to locking him down in the postseason. Curry and other NBA greats praised his elite mindset.
Accolades And Recognition
| Award | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OTE Championship | 2023 | Helped City Reapers to sweep in Finals |
| OTE All‑First Team | 2023 | Averaged ~16.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.9 APG |
| NBA All‑Rookie Second Team | 2024 | Solid rookie season |
| Western Conf. Defensive Player of Month | Jan 2025 | Recognized for elite defense |
| NBA All‑Defensive First Team | 2025 | Among league’s top defenders |
Personal Traits And Future Outlook
- Athlete Profile: At 6′7″ with a 6′9″ wingspan and explosive vertical leap, Amen is a unique blend of size, speed, and agility. He’s equally lethal as a transition threat and a defensive anchor.
- Mindset & Drive: Raised in a disciplined environment that emphasized mental and physical growth, he maintains a fierce competitive mindset, driven by critics and energized through discipline and film study.
- Legacy Potential: Along with Ausar’s rise in Detroit, Amen is seen as part of an emerging generation of two-way NBA stars. He has already drawn comparisons to top defenders and, with continued growth, is projected as a future All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
From humble beginnings in Oakland to becoming one of the league’s premier two-way talents at just 22, Amen Thompson’s story is a blend of elite athleticism, family support, unconventional development, and relentless work ethic. His rise has been rapid—and the upward trajectory is unmistakable. If his progression continues, he’s poised to leave a lasting mark on the NBA for years to come.
Rockets Realm 