Overtime Elite signs three more, brings roster to 24 players

ATLANTA (September 4, 2021) - Overtime Elite (OTE), the transformative new basketball league starting this fall, announced the signings of three additional players. Jahzare Jackson, Jaylen Martin and TJ Clark finalized agreements with OTE, which brings the inaugural roster to 24 players. 

(Editor's Note: Read our Spencer Davies' exclusive interview with Aaron Ryan and Brandon Williams, and an extensive profile on Overtime Elite here.)

Jahzare Jackson

Jahzare Jackson is a 7-0 center originally from San Diego. He’s played at IMG academy the last two seasons and has played for the North Coast Blue Chips with Bronny James on the AAU circuit. Jackson is a load in the paint with the ability to overpower opposing big men and finish with both hands. He’s a prolific rebounder and serves as a formidable defensive presence.

“There is a reason that Jahzare Jackson has captured the imagination of fans all over the world. He packages a combination of elite size, soft hands, and unusually light feet and athleticism,” said Brandon Williams, Head of OTE Basketball Operations. “Joining OTE is a major step for Jahzare’s long term projection, as he maximizes the expertise of OTE’s elite coaching and high performance staffs, who are committed to bringing out the best in his game.”

Jaylen Martin

Jaylen Martin is a 6-6 small forward from Tallahassee, Florida. The swingman is a strongly-built perimeter player who rebounds well for his position and can guard multiple positions. This past summer, Martin teamed up with Jazian Gortman, another OTE signee, on the AAU circuit with the Nightrydas.

“Jaylen is a dynamic wing that has a packaged creativity, athleticism and a crafty offensive feel ,” said Brandon Williams, Head of OTE Basketball Operations.  “He is embracing the challenge of competing with and against elite peers day in and day out and that’s what we’re about at OTE.“

TJ Clark

TJ Clark is a 6-4 shooting guard from Covington, Georgia. He is a catch and shoot specialist that played for Newton High School. He led the team last season averaging 14.2 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals and was named the Newton County Player of the Year.

“Representing Covington, GA and Newton High School, TJ has quietly built an accomplished resume as a standout student-athlete, where his relentlessness and drive have put him in a position to enhance his game in the OTE environment,” said Brandon Williams, Head of OTE Basketball Operations. “He’s joining us with the right kind of chip on his shoulder, focused on continual development and proving he belongs amongst the elite."

These three are joining Jalen Lewis from California, Jazian Gortman from South Carolina, Bryson Warren from Arkansas, Amen and Ausar Thompson from Florida, Matt Bewley and Ryan Bewley from Florida, Tyler Smith and Bryce Griggs from Texas, Dominick Barlow from New Jersey, Jai Smith from North Carolina, Malik Bowman from Maryland, Kok Yat from Alaska and De’Vontes Cobbs from Wisconsin.

OTE has signed international prospects Jean Montero from the Dominican Republic, Izan Almansa from Spain, Alexandre Sarr from France, Nathan Missia-Dio from Belgium, Emmanuel Maldonado from Puerto Rico, Francis Lopez from the Philippines and Tudor Somacescu from Romania. The league expects to make additional player announcements in the coming weeks. 

Every OTE player will earn a six-figure salary, with a guaranteed minimum salary of at least $100,000 per year, plus bonuses and shares of equity in Overtime. In addition, players will participate in revenue from use of their name, image and likeness, including through sales of custom jerseys, trading cards, video games and NFTs. 

About OTE

OTE (Overtime Elite) is a transformative new sports league that offers the world’s most talented young basketball players a better pathway to becoming professional athletes, while engaging and inspiring a new community of digitally native fans.

OTE (pronounced Oh-Tee-E) provides a comprehensive accelerator for elite players’ professional careers. The league offers a year-round development program combining world-class coaching, cutting-edge sports science and performance technologies, top-notch facilities, and a rigorous, highly personalized academic program that energizes and enhances each athlete’s journey from proficiency to pro.