Jalen Lewis becomes highest ranked basketball rookie to join Overtime Elite

ESPN Class No.2 basketball prospect of 2023, Jalen Lewis, signs with Overtime Elite.

Lewis is the top ranked rookie to sign with the upstart league and is considered the best big man in the rising junior class. Lewis rejecting recruiting interest from schools such as Kentucky, Duke, UCLA and Michigan.

He played at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, Calif., And was part of an elite hopeful squad invited to try for USA Basketball in June, where he stood over 6ft 10in in shoes. with a wingspan of 7 feet.

“Jalen is one of the most exciting young talents in the country, and we are honored that he has chosen Overtime Elite to elevate his professional development in the field and academically, while building his brand internationally.” Brandon Williams, executive vice president of OTE and head of basketball operations, said in a statement. “It is a fundamental signature for our league and another recognition of the need and the desire for our program.”

OTE Coach and Director of Player Development Kevin Ollie said: “I would describe Jalen as an absolute difference maker, a rare talent, with a combination of size, athleticism, good hands and ball skills that impact games on both sides of the court. There are no limits to what he will be able to do in his career and thanks to Overtime Elite he will have the resources in place for it. ‘help make your dreams come true. “

Overtime Elite has raised significant capital in its drive to become a real alternative for elite high schools and international prospects to use as a training program, and Lewis’s signing is another indication of the traction the league has gained in grassroots circles in the United States. States and internationally. The league previously announced the signings of five-star prospects Amen and Ausar Thompson in the class of 2022 and Matthew and Ryan Bewley in the class of 2023, as well as the projected top-20 pick in the 2022 Draft, Jean Montero of Spain. .

The league now has 10 players under contract and is well on its way to fielding a highly competitive squad to play against preschools in the United States and teams overseas.

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by the NBA, NCAA and international teams.