Future FIBA and Olympic athletes from Jamaica, Amen and Ausar Thompson, have committed to the Duke Blues Devils. And I always thought, “You know, Jamaica always represents gold,” and playing for the squad has always been my ambition.
The basketball world is witnessing the rise of two extraordinary talents, Amen and Ausar Thompson, twin brothers whose electrifying play and relentless drive have positioned them as future stars on the global stage. Born in Oakland, California, but profoundly tied to their Jamaican ancestry, the Thompsons are not only committed to delivering their abilities to the Duke Blue Devils but also desire to represent Jamaica in FIBA championships and the Olympics. Their path is one of ambition, ethnic pride, and a passionate desire to raise.
Amen and Ausar Thompson’s basketball journey began in Oakland, where their raw athleticism and basketball IQ quickly set them apart. Standing at 6’7” with guard-like skills, both twins possess a rare combination of size, speed, and court vision that makes them nightmare matchups for opponents. Their development took a major leap when they joined Overtime Elite (OTE), a groundbreaking league designed to prepare elite prospects for professional basketball.
In OTE, the Thompsons dominated, showcasing their ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Amen, a dynamic point-forward with great playmaking and finishing skills, and Ausar, a two-way wing with explosive scoring and lockdown defense, became household names in the prospect world. Their performances confirmed their status as top-tier recruits, ultimately leading to their commitment to Duke University—a program synonymous with NBA skill and championship dreams.
Choosing Duke was a strategic decision for the Thompsons. Under the guidance of Coach Jon Scheyer, who has continued Duke’s legacy of developing NBA-ready talent, the twins will have the perfect platform to refine their skills before taking the next step. At Duke, they will join a long list of legendary players who have thrived in the program’s fast-paced, pro-style system.
For Amen, Duke’s emphasis on guard play and transition offense aligns perfectly with his strengths. His ability to push the ball, create for teammates, and finish above the rim makes him a perfect fit for the Blue Devils’ high-octane attack. Ausar, on the other hand, brings versatility as a scorer and defender, capable of guarding multiple positions while contributing offensively as a slasher and shooter. Together, they form a duo that could lead Duke to another national championship while boosting their own draft stock.
While their immediate focus is on dominating college basketball, the Thompsons have never lost sight of their roots. Both brothers have expressed a strong desire to represent Jamaica on the international stage, a dream fueled by their family’s heritage and the island’s rich sporting history. *“Jamaica always represents gold,”* Amen once said, referencing the nation’s dominance in track and field. Now, the Thompsons want to bring that same excellence to basketball. Jamaica’s national team has been steadily improving in FIBA competitions,
The road to FIBA and Olympic success won’t be easy, but the twins have the talent and determination to make it happen. Their athleticism and skill set would instantly elevate Jamaica’s competitiveness, giving them a chance to challenge traditional powerhouses in the Americas. More than just personal achievement, representing Jamaica would be a full-circle moment—a tribute to their heritage and an inspiration to young ballers across the Caribbean.
