OTE 2025-2026 Season Opening Night Standouts

We are pleased to continue our longstanding coverage of Overtime Elite, and our commitment to continuing to uncover the future college, and professional, basketball stars, that OTE has continues to develop !

This marks the start of the fifth season, of one of the most ambitious projects in the elite youth basketball space, and since its inception, has brought forth five, active, NBA players, four of which were Lottery Picks, in recent years. With even more OTE alumni continuing their exciting careers at the collegiate, and professional levels, were proud to share the standout athletes from this weekends opening series of games. We hope to see all these prospects continuing to entertain us at future levels !

Adam Oumiddoch || 2026 || 6’5 || G || Cold Hearts

Adam displayed versatile play throughout the game by contributing on both ends of the court. He was aggressive inside the paint as a scorer, finishing standing and reverse layups, and making his putback shot after offensive rebounds, which helped him get to the line on multiple occasions. He made 16 of 17 of his free throws, also making the game-winning free throws, showing off his touch and reliability at the line. He displayed confidence when shooting behind the arc and spacing the floor. He moves the ball around when he can’t create space. Showed he can dribble through traffic and penetrate the paint to create for his teammates. He stayed engaged on defense by playing the lanes and helping his team contest shots at the rim, earning blocks and steals in the game.

Taylen Kinney || 2026 || 6’3 || G || RWE

Aggressive scorer when he has the ball in his hands. Attacks inside the arc in P&R action by shooting over the defender when he is getting to his spot and taking it strong at the rim when being contested at the rim. This also helped him get to the line and make multiple free throws in the game. He had a big moment in the game, making a driving layup over a defender as time expired to help his team get to overtime. He showed effort fighting through screens and contesting jumpers and layups.

Alston Elson || 2026 || 6’11 || G || Cold Hearts

Alston used his size, lateral quickness, and intensity to affect the game for his team. Creates

multiple stops when contesting shots at the rim, allowing him to earn 3 blocked shots in the

game. Stayed aggressive on the defensive glass throughout the game. Scored inside and outside during the game. He spaced the floor and knocked down one three. He made a pull-up jumper when attacking the zone in the mid-range area. Assertive when attacking the rim using his size against the defense.

Kameron Mercer|| 2028 || 6’5 || G || RWE

Kameron is an aggressive defensive guard who distributes constant pressure when defending

players on and off the ball. He turns his defense into offense by creating 4 turnovers and being aggressive at the rim in transition. He uses his motor and force on offense. He attacks the rim, which allows him to get to the free-throw line and use it to get putbacks for his team. He showed that he is comfortable taking a pull-up jumper when inside the arc, showing off his touch in the paint.

Issac Ellis || 2026 || 6’1 || G || Dreamers

Issac stayed aggressive the entire game, creating shots for himself inside and out. His

aggressiveness as a ball handler allows him to get to the free-throw line multiple times

throughout the game. He takes advantage of bigger players guarding him out on the perimeter. He displays his range, making multiple threes off the dribble when and in C&S situations. Had a moment in a game where he had a hot streak, making back-to-back 3pt shots in transition. He showed himself to be productive as a playmaker, earning 8 assists in the game. The attention he brings with the ball allows him to create shots for others.

Caleb Jones || 2026 || 6’4 || G || Dreamers

Caleb Jones showcases his shooting ability in the game, making 9-18 of his threes when in spot- up situations. Jumper looks smooth when coming off screens and shooting over defenders closing out. Decisive with his movements on and off the ball. Defending plays tight on to him, allowing him to attack the rim coming off DHO and off-ball screen. Finish the game with 41 pts in OTE opening night.

Kole Grandison || 2026 || 6’4 || G || City Reapers

Kole constantly attacks the paint and showcases his touch around the rim. The force he plays

with allowed him to get to the line on multiple occasions. He showed the ability to space the

floor and make C&S jumpers when open. Showed his instinct on defense by poking the ball loose at times in the game and applying solid ball pressure.

Dakari Spears || 2026 || 6’4 || G || City Reapers

Dakari showed off his jumper from inside and outside during the game. He is comfortable

getting to his pull-up jumper on and off the catch. He spaced the floor and made 4-8 of his threes. He plays with his own pace and doesn’t force what is not there. He plays the lanes throughout the game using his length to his advantage.

Contributor: Jamil Mendoza