Jazian Gortman, a 5-star prospect and the No. 8 player in the class of 2022 according to 247 sports, has decided to forgo his college eligibility and sign with Overtime Elite. The Overtime Elite program deems itself as a “transformative new sports league that offers the world’s most talented young basketball players a better pathway to becoming professional athlete.”
Gortman announced his decision on Wednesday afternoon via Twitter.
“Thanking the creator above, my family, former coaches, trainers and supporters,” Gortman tweeted. “I also want to thank all the colleges I was recruited by. … I am beyond happy to announce that I have signed with and will be playing with Overtime Elite!”
Gortman decided to take the pro path over college options including Texas, Florida State, Maryland and Illinois. A main reason the guard made this decision may be the salary appeal, which college basketball does not provide.
Joining Overtime Elite, which is sponsored by Overtime media company, Gortman will be making $650,000 dollars. The league provides each of its athletes a minimum salary of $100,000 a year with the potential of additional compensation through bonuses and shares of equity in Overtime.
Besides the money aspect, another attractive feature of Overtime Elite seems to be the experience up-and-coming basketball stars can receive.
According to their site, “OTE 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.”
Gortman is a 6-foot-1 155-pound point guard from Columbia, South Carolina. The high-energy guard averaged 23.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game last season at W.J. Keenan High School. He is one of the best two-way players in the 2022 class. Gortman plans to stay home to finish out his high school career.
Jazian Gortman is MUST SEE TV! 👀🔥 The #7 Player in the ESPN 100!
“Today we landed a critical piece that hits at the core of what we’re building. Jazian brings a relentlessness, tenacity and leadership capability to the OTE family,” said OTE’s EVP and Head of Basketball Operations, Brandon Williams. “Jazian is widely regarded as one of the top talents in his class, elevating himself this spring through a visible commitment to developing his craft.”
“Jazian takes our guard play to the next level with his explosiveness, ability to score, pass, and defend,” Kevin Ollie, formerly UConn’s head coach now serving as the OTE’s head coach, said of the signing. “I get excited about players who always bring level-5 energy — in games, practice, the weight room, the film room, and the classroom. Jazian always brings it and that’s why so many have taken notice of him.”
With Gortman’s decision to play pro, he became the 14th player to sign with OTE for its inaugural season. Gortman will join an Elite squad that currently features Ryan Bewley, Matt Bewley and Jean Montero.
You can ‘Like’ The Game Haus on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Brian!
“From Our Haus to Yours”
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
