Top 2024 recruit Cunningham joining Overtime Elite, will remain NCAA-eligible

Naasir Cunningham, the No. 1 recruit on the 2024 ESPN 60, will sign with Overtime Elite (OTE), he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

Cunningham will decline to receive a salary in OTE, which will allow the 6-foot-7 prospect to remain eligible for the NCAA if he later chooses to go to college.

"Being able to keep my eligibility for college was important as that gives me more options when I'm done with high school and ready to decide my next move," he said.

"At Overtime, you still get the same academics as a regular high school, but not every school has the same equipment and facilities they do, which are top of the line, as well as the best trainers, coaching staff, and other elite players. Competing against the best and working with the best there is, that's what will help me reach my goals."

Cunningham is the first player to turn down a salary in OTE. The upstart league was founded in 2016 and provides high school recruits a paid alternative to the NCAA, which has strict amateurism restrictions. However, Cunningham can still profit off his name, image, and likeness.

The 17-year-old is a touted forward with significant size and the ability to space the floor with his shooting. He's coming off his sophomore year at Gill St. Bernard's in Gladstone, New Jersey.

Cunningham, the highest-ranked prospect to ever sign with OTE, averaged 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and a block per game as a sophomore.