Panini America signs Thompson twins in advance of NBA Draft

Panini America has two new members on its team.

Amen and Ausar Thompson are exclusive signers for Panini's upcoming NBA card releases after they signed multi-year agreements with the company revealed this week in advance of the NBA Draft on Thursday night.

"Early on, we identified Amen and Ausar as great players that would be able to translate their game to the NBA while also having a unique and shared story to tell unlike any other NBA Draft Picks waiting to hear their name called on Thursday night," said Jason Howarth, Senior VP of Marketing and Athlete Relations, in a prepared release. "It brings a whole new meaning to the idea of dual-autograph cards where two players are featured. We are excited to partner with Amen and Ausar and celebrate their rookie year in unique ways around the globe and in some of our most popular trading card brands."

They're projected to be top picks and the deal applies to autographed cards and memorabilia as well as feature spots on product packaging and during marketing events.

"Partnering with Panini is exciting, especially given that they wanted to work with both Ausar and I as we take this next step in becoming NBA players," Amen Thompson said. "Knowing how much we both dreamed of this moment, it’s unreal to see it become a reality and know we’ll both have our own NBA trading cards."

"Growing up, you dream of being able to have your own Panini NBA trading card," Ausar Thompson said. "To see that become a reality, and knowing that my brother will have that same experience, and that we also will be featured on Panini NBA products around the world together, is incredibly special."

They teamed to win a state championship at Pine Crest School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., before joining Overtime Elite for two seasons.They both already appear on more than 500 total cards (under 200 of those autos) during their time there thanks to card sets for that league.

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