ONE of the elite prospects.
Former Ateneo High School standout LeBron Lopez was included among the 24 players set to compete in the maiden season of the Overtime Elite league in the United States.
The high-flying Lopez chose to turn pro last July and will join fellow international players such as Spain’s Izan Almansa, Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Maldonado, Belgium’s Nathan Missia-Dio, Dominican Republic’s Jean Montero, France’s Alexandre Sarr, and Romania’s Tudor Somacescu.
Other prospects are Dominick Barlow, Matt and Ryan Bewley, Malik Browman, TJ Clark, De’Vontes Cobbs, Jazian Gortman, Bryce Griggs, Jahzare Jackson, Jalen Lewis, Jaylen Martin, Jai and Tyler Smith, Amen and Ausar Thompson, Bryson Warren, and Kok Yat.
“These 24 exceptional young men with the support of their families, have charted a new path for athletes to maximize their talent through elite coaching, specialized academics, professional training, and economic empowerment,” OTE Commissioner and President Aaron Ryan said.
“We are proud to recognize and partner with these trailblazers on their journey and look forward to bringing our fans closer to the game and players using the same innovation that has become synonymous with the Overtime brand,” he added.
Lopez, 18, suited up for the all-amateur Philippine five in the third window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Clark where he scored eight points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in Gilas’ 76-51 drubbing of Indonesia.
The 6-foot-5 Lopez was left at home when the nationals saw action in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgrade, Serbia.
