Jalen Brunson eyes 2028 LA Olympics after Team USA Paris pulls out this summer

When New York Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson took the court of the Intuit Dome as an All-Star earlier this month, he did so wearing the jersey of Team Stripes – one of the two teams that represent those from the United States (the other is Team Stars), and the third All-Star team was called the World Team.

But while Brunson is enjoying being an All-Star while representing his country of origin at the same time, he still has his eyes on the real thing – Team USA basketball in the Olympics.

There are other boxes to check on Brunson’s career goal board – winning an NBA title with the Knicks is a priority in the coming months. But one goal that hasn’t been erased, and never will be, is representing the US on the Olympic stage.

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With the Summer Games returning to Los Angeles in 2028, Fox News Digital asked Brunson if playing in the Olympics remains at the top of his list of goals.

“Absolutely,” Brunson said, while discussing his partnership with BODYARMOR and its “Choose Better” campaign ahead of March Madness next month. “I don’t think there’s anything else to say. It’s one of my goals for sure.”

Brunson was considered a major snub in 2024 when he was left off Team USA’s roster at the Paris Olympics, where he won gold. One of the biggest debates about the roster was whether other guards, including the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton, should have made the team over Brunson.

In the end, Brunson said he thought he had done enough to earn a spot after playing well that season.

“I thought I could come in,” he said GQ Games in 2024. “I’ve played a lot of roles throughout my career; I could play another one. But obviously, it wasn’t in the cards at the time. So, you keep going, and you find ways to get better.”

Brunson continues to be one of the best point guards in the league, especially in crunch time when the basket is needed for his Knicks. If Brunson continues to be a leader in “The Mecca,” there is no doubt that he will be invited west to Las Vegas to try out for Team USA among the country’s best again.

Jalen Brunson of the 2023 USA Men’s National Basketball Team takes a shot on the course during the team’s practice at the Mendenhall Center at UNLV as the team prepares for the FIBA ​​Men’s Basketball World Cup on Aug. 6, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Brunson’s motivation to form a team is not only for self-fulfillment in his career, but for something more. It is true patriotism and wearing the Stars and Stripes with one’s countrymen. He has done so in other tournaments, including the 2023 FIBA ​​World Cup, but never made it to the Olympic stage.

“I think it will be a good opportunity if they are introduced,” he continued. “It would be an honor to represent your country. Very few people have the ability to do that. It’s obvious that whether it’s playing for your country, or representing your country in the military, not many people can do that.

“I would be honored and grateful.”

Brunson was named to his third consecutive All-Star team this year, as the two-time All-NBA guard averaged 27.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game for the Knicks this season. He hopes to lead the Knicks into the playoffs with the goal of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals after losing to the Pacers in six games in that division last season.

BETTER CHOICES ABOUT BODY

As Brunson looks ahead to the NBA Playoffs, he’s also excited about another intense season of basketball: NCAA March Madness.

BODYARMOR announced its return to collegiate sports Tuesday after seven years with a new multi-year partnership as the official sports drink of the NCAA. So, the announcement before March Madness has the slogan “Choose the Better”, something Brunson, a two-time NCAA champion with Villanova, knows goes a long way this time of year – whether it’s pro or college.

Jalen Brunson of the USA Men’s National Basketball Team watches his shot on the course during the team’s practice at the Mendenhall Center at UNLV as the team prepares for the FIBA ​​Men’s Basketball World Cup on Aug. 6, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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“The most important thing is that it starts with hydration,” he said when asked how he makes better choices every day. “I think no matter what, if you’re hydrated, your muscles [and] your body feels good. Obviously, you also need a nutritious diet. That’s how you fill the entire game, with hydration. So, that’s the way I choose best.”

BODYARMOR will handle the exclusive sports drink rights to NCAA March Madness, making it the only hydration drink available on the sidelines of the tournament, which will include towels, sports bottles and coolers.

The national “Choose Better” ad, which continues the brand’s campaign that launched in April 2025, will also feature LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson, the brand’s new partner.

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