Tissot, a premier name in quality-crafted watches, is globally renowned for its elegant designs, use of fine materials and innovative direction. This year, the Swiss watch brand and Official Timekeeper of the NBA, has partnered up with future star athletes Amen and Ausar Thompson for the 2023 NBA draft. Both Tissot and the Thompson brothers share the same principles of putting in countless hours of hard work to achieve greatness – this is evidenced by Tissot’s impeccably made watches and the Thompson Twins’ immense on-court talents.
Amen is a 6-foot-7 point guard who can slash to the rim and has a sharp eye for passing. Ausar, who is identical in frame, can practically jump out the gym with sheer athleticism – he’s been scouted as an NBA-ready defender who’ll easily score in transition. Needless to say, both Amen and Ausar are well-positioned for success at the professional level.
Amen and Ausar Thompson grew up playing in their hometown of San Leandro, California. It’s a place they proudly represent – they’ve built their athletic craft back home and it’s where their family have always come together to help them achieve their dreams as basketball players. “I carry the grit and underdog mentality of my hometown, and that’s always made me compete, and never shy away from competition,” Ausar says. “I feel like my hometown molded me by making me go hard,” Amen adds. “My family helped me put my talents into focus. They kept me focused on the main goals.”
Through hard work and dedication, the Thompson brothers have also forged an unconventional path to pursuing their NBA dreams. Since they excelled so well as athletes in high school, both Amen and Ausar skipped their senior year to play two seasons in the Overtime Elite program in Atlanta. Only the best players in the world ages 18 to 20 years old get to join the program that not only pays young athletes but also sets them up to complete college credits and prepare them to become professional players. The brothers have put in tons of hours these past two seasons at Overtime Elite to get to this point in their careers, and the gamble and sacrifice of skipping their senior year of high school has also paid off.
“I’ve spent thousands and thousands of hours practicing basketball to get to where I am today, and to me, it means a lot to see the determination, dedication, and discipline lead me to where I am today,” says Ausar. “I’ve put in countless hours of work in basketball and it just means the culmination of my work coming to life,” Amen adds as both brothers approach draft day.
In addition to the hours spent honing their skills to become elite players, Amen and Ausar are also prime examples of athletes possessing tenacity. It takes more than just clocking in the massive minutes to create a competitive athlete. It’s also the drive, both mentally and physically, to conquer challenges and setbacks that truly completes a player who’s ready for the big leagues. “Some of the hardest things I had to do physically where I pushed myself everyday, was when I was sore or tired and still had to give it my all, mentally just controlling my emotions, never getting too high or too low,” Ausar says of the difficulties behind all the hours he put in. “Some of the harder things I had to do physically were strengthening and conditioning my body, and mentally just focusing on myself and staying positive,” Amen explains.
Tissot and the Thompson brothers are alike in many ways. It took Tissot over 170 years to become the respected watch brand it is today – its impeccable watches are a reflection of hard work, dedication and passion. Amen and Ausar also echo these sentiments – they’ve developed their athletic skill sets through hours and hours of practice, games and studying to become top NBA prospects. The brothers are also fond of Tissot watches. “The Tissot watch matches my personality and style because it’s laid back but at the same time it’s clean,” Ausar explained while wearing one on his wrist. “It pops, and it has a modern-vintage look to it. It’s the first watch I ever owned so it means a lot to receive it at this stage where the work you put in comes together.” For Amen, he feels it’s the perfect match for his own game. “Like my game, this Tissot watch has a sophisticated look to it,” Amen adds.
History is in the making at this year’s 2023 NBA Draft. Top prospects, brothers Amen and Ausar Thompson could become the first twins ever to be selected in the top 10 in the same draft class. Yet regardless of what number they’re selected at or whichever team picks them, it’ll still be the same devotion, sweat and sense of achievement they’ve always had that will propel them to success in the league. Now as they wait for their names to get called, they remain humbled and focused. “As I approach draft day my mindset is to get better every day and stay humble,” Amen says. “My primary focus is to be the best player that I can be, my goals that I’ve had since I was a kid keep me focused.” For Ausar, however, it’s about being an effective player right away. “My mindset is excitement to where my new team is,” he explains. “My primary focus is making an immediate impact.”
Amen and Ausar Thompson are wearing the Tissot PRX Chronograph Automatic which is priced at $1,895.00 USD and can be purchased directly at Tissot’s official website, stores and Tissot retailers.
