Overtime Elite is back at it. Entering their sixth season, OTE has underwent constant expansion, now having nine teams in their league for high school-aged programs. Chipotle Nationals runner-up Dynamic Prep (Dallas, Texas) has joined the league, adding to a group of immensely talented players who are already capitalizing on their talents.
The first stop for Overtime Elite players for 2025-26 was the OTE Combine. Sponsored by Gatorade, the OTE Combine (more commonly known as OTE Pro Day) was a two day event at OTE’s state of the art facility in gorgeous Midtown Atlanta. Players were put through virtually the same exact drills they would at the NBA Combine, going through a series of drills, then wrapping things up with live 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 play. Twenty-seven of the 30 NBA teams were in attendance, along with over 100 D1 college coaches, providing a platform for players to take their exposure to new heights.
Having already profiled the top performers, here is a deeper look at the talented sophomores from the 2025 OTE Combine:
Kam Mercer, 6’5.5, SG/SF, OTE RWE, 2028
A household name since before he entered high school, Mercer made the move to OTE after an intriguing freshman campaign. The powerful lefty swingman is capable of scoring with limited dribbles, had the best 3/4 court sprint of anyone in the Combine (3.172 seconds), and is vastly underrated as a playmaker. Once you add in the immense potential that Mercer has on the defensive end, you see why the Cincinnati native has firmly established himself as a five star prospect for the class of 2028.
Jamal “Blaze” Johnson, 6’4.5, PG/SG, City Reapers, 2028
A player who I had not seen in person prior to OTE’s Pro Day, Jamal “Blaze” Johnson had as much long term potential of any combo guard in the Combine, regardless of age. The lefty proved to be a reliable 3-point shooter, and can finish above the rim with either hand. At just 15 years old, he showed that he has the potential to be right up there with some of the best guards in the class, and high major programs have noticed with Maryland and Georgia Tech already putting scholarships on the table.
Quinton Wilson, 6’3.5, PG, Cold Hearts, 2028
One of the most dynamic guards in the class of 2028, Wilson showed the long term potential that he possesses that has had the Southeast buzzing for years now. The uber athletic playmaker is an elite finisher above the rim, has super quick hands defensively, and has developed into a 40 percent 3-point shooter. Wilson has shown that he is a five star prospect in 2028 and college coaches feel the same with programs such as Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Cal, Mississippi State, TCU, and Arizona State extending early scholarship offers.
Owen Laver, 6’6.5, SF, Cold Hearts, 2028
While all of the aforementioned 2028 prospects have stars next to their names, Laver showed he is not that far behind with his play in front of NBA executives and college coaches alike at the OTE Pro Day. A new age forward who can play either spot, Owen is a strong straight line driver, can finish through contact in the paint, and is a capable 3-point shooter with his feet set. The Virginia product led his prior high school (Stuart Hall) to a state title as a freshman and already holds a high major offer from Oklahoma State with plenty more soon to follow.
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