Jalik Dunkley, a 6-foot-7 guard from Hamilton, Ontario, has announced his decision to join Overtime Elite, a professional basketball league for high school prospects. Dunkley, who is ranked as a top 5 prospect in the class of 2024 per The Maple Minute, becomes the third Canadian player to sign with OTE. Dunkley spent his junior season at Canyon International Academy in Arizona, and the previous two seasons at Orangeville Prep. He also played for Bounce Elite, a Canadian AAU program that has produced NBA stars like Jamal Murray, Tristan Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins.
Dunkley told The Maple Minute that he chose OTE over other options because he wanted to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball and getting exposure to top-level competition and coaching.
"The deciding factor in the move was I wanted to be in OTE but wanted to fulfill my commitment to the team I was with. My coach and I talked and he wanted me to pursue my desire to play OTE as it’s my senior year and he didn’t want me to have any regrets," Dunkley said.
Overtime Elite, which launched in March 2021, is a league that reportedly offers players a minimum salary of $100,000, plus health and disability insurance, equity in the company, and a guaranteed scholarship fund for college or vocational training. The league also provides players with academic and life skills education, as well as access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
OTE has already produced some of the top prospects in the country, such as Somto Cyril, Trey Parker & Ian Jackson. Dunkley joins a roster that features standout products, such as Eli & Isaac Ellis and Don Lewis. Dunkley said he is excited to join OTE and showcase his skills on a global stage.
Dunkley is also the latest example of the rising talent and popularity of Canadian basketball, which has seen a surge of players making an impact in the NBA, NCAA, and international competitions. Dunkley said he is proud to represent his country and hopes to inspire other young Canadians to follow their dreams. Dunkley will join OTE for the remainder of the 2024 season. The league features 8 teams and you can catch Jalik in action on February 2nd vs. Jelly Fam at LIU-Brooklyn. The games will be streamed on Overtime's digital platforms and broadcast partners.
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