Ausar Thompson

Ausar “XLNC” Thompson, pronounced ‘ə-SAR EK-sə-lənss TOM-sən’, is an outstanding figure in the world of American professional basketball. Born on January 30, 2003, he is currently a formative player in the NBA, featuring for the esteemed Detroit Pistons. Track his journey from his initial years in the field to the successful career he has today, and it becomes easy to see that this sportsman was born to make his mark in basketball.

Ausar Thompson, affectionately known as XLNC – a pronounced form of the term “excellence,” was born to Maya Wilson and Troy Thompson deep in the heart of San Leandro, California. Mere minutes after his birth, his twin brother, Amen Thompson, also made his entrance into the world. Their affinity to the sport is hardly surprising, given that their bloodline has impressive athletics credentials; their uncle Mark Thompson represented Jamaica in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

The Thompson twins, guided by their father, began training in basketball when they were only seven years old. Their unconditional passion for the sport was sparked by the superstar LeBron James. Both were homeschooled during the sixth and seventh grades, giving them enough time to focus on sharpening their skills on the court.

The family relocated to Fort Lauderdale in Florida when Ausar and Amen were in eighth grade. This move was motivated by the opportunity for the boys to kickstart their high school basketball journey a year early at Pine Crest School. Both brothers were immediately put on the team and quickly became star players. Ausar had an impressive average of 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in his sophomore year, earning him second-team All-County honors. He made his mark as a junior, averaging 22.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, which led his team to clinch the Class 4A state championship.

Recognized as a five-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals, Ausar gained widespread interest from a number of colleges in 2019, including Alabama. However, he took a different route after his junior year. On May 25, 2021, he signed a two-year contract with the Overtime Elite (OTE), a professional league based in Atlanta, with players aged between 16 and 20. The decision saw him skip his senior year of high school and also forgo college basketball.

In his first season with the OTE, Ausar played for Team Elite and showcased great prowess, averaging 14.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. His performance was instrumental in leading his team to the league championship, during which he made his mark and was awarded the Finals MVP.

Ausar’s second season with the OTE came with a new honor; he was named the captain of the City Reapers. The team, which also included his brother Amen, saw Ausar win the Player of the Week award twice. His performance culminated with him being named the OTE MVP and being inducted into the All-OTE First Team.

A giant leap in his career occurred on April 21, 2023. Ausar was declared eligible for the 2023 NBA draft and was viewed as a potential top-10 pick by analysts. Selected fifth overall by the Detroit Pistons, Ausar entered NBA history when he and his twin brother became the first siblings to be selected in the top 5 in the same year.

On October 25, 2023, Ausar made his regular-season debut for the Pistons, scoring four points, seven rebounds, three assists, and five blocks in a very close match against the Miami Heat. Through this performance, the young basketball player became the youngest player in NBA history to put up at least five blocks in an NBA debut, all at the tender age of 20. The 2023-24 season, however, saw the Pistons end on a record-high of 28 consecutive losses, with Ausar being a part of the roster during this time. Nevertheless, his passion for the sport and his indomitable spirit promise a bright career in the coming years. His journey forward in professional basketball is anticipated with great interest and enthusiasm. After all, excellence, in the form of Ausar “XLNC” Thompson, is always compelling!