“Amen Thompson can make every pass in the book.” Amen’s growing fanbase can’t stop talking about his basketball IQ. At just 21 years old, the forward is emerging as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. Not only his impressive performances have turned many heads, but his unique brother duo storyline also adds an intriguing layer to his rise. While fans are familiar with his on-court abilities, many are curious about the cultural and familial influences that shaped him. Let’s look deeper into these aspects to uncover more about the Houston Rockets star.

Where is Amen Thompson from? What is the Rockets star’s nationality?

Amen Thompson’s nationality is American as he was born in San Leandro, California, to parents Maya Wilson and Troy Thompson. He was raised alongside his identical twin brother, Ausar. Amen came from an athletically supportive environment as both the twins are professional basketball players. The Thompson twins were introduced to basketball by their father at a young age.

They trained together, honing their skills and drawing inspiration from legends like LeBron James. Growing up little did they know, their dreams would come true. The brothers played against LeBron and on top of that received serious validation from the legend himself.“I mean you’ve seen his brother. I think that was yesterday’s game or the day before yeah… Cunningham said it best, he said is they different they ain’t like the rest of us.”

The Thompsons have played an essential role in his basketball journey. Amen’s middle name, “XLNC” (pronounced “excellence”), speaks to the aspirations his parents had for him. It was a constant reminder for him to live up to his potential while staying grounded. Though Amen was born in California, his family’s roots extend beyond the state, shaping his identity in unique ways.

Is Amen Thompson of Jamaican descent? 

Amen Thompson has a fascinating heritage that combines a rich blend of cultures. He has Jamaican heritage on his father’s side. In addition, Amen’s uncle, Mark Thompson, is a celebrated figure in Jamaican athletics, having represented Jamaica in the 1992 Summer Olympics as a 400-meter hurdler. This athletic legacy runs deep in the Thompson family, contributing to the twins’ drive and competitive spirit.

The Thompson families’ involvement in sports doesn’t stop there. Amen’s older brother, Troy Jr. also played basketball at the collegiate level for the Prairie View A&M. Speaking of college basketball, the Thompson family relocated to Fort Lauderdale in Florida to provide Amen an opportunity to compete at the Pine Crest School. There, Amen quickly stood out as a top prospect, leading his team to a state championship.

Which university did Amen Thompson attend? 

Amen Thompson’s performances made him a highly sought-after recruit, earning a five-star rating from ESPN and a four-star rating from Rivals. His impressive performances caught the attention of numerous college programs, including Alabama, Arizona, Auburn, Arizona State, and Kansas. Even though he received scholarship offers from these prestigious institutions, he ultimately chose not to play college basketball.

Instead, he bypassed his senior year of high school to pursue a professional route by joining Overtime Elite (OTE), a league designed for young talents aiming to leap to the NBA. This decision allowed him to focus on preparing for the next level of competition, setting the stage for his future in the NBA, in 2023, Amen’s hard work paid off when he was selected fourth overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA Draft.

Today, Amen continues to make his mark in the league, drawing from his rich heritage and the values instilled by his family and faith. Through his unique background and undeniable talent, Amen Thompson embodies excellence—both in name and in action.