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When New York Knicks superstar guard Jalen Brunson took the court at the Intuit Dome as an All-Star earlier this month, he did so wearing the jersey of Team Stripes, one of two teams representing the United States (the other being Team Stars), while the third All-Star team was named Team World.
But while Brunson certainly enjoys being an All-Star while also representing his country, he still has eyes for the real thing: the U.S. basketball team in the Olympics.
There are other boxes to check on Brunson’s career goal board: Winning an NBA title with the Knicks is the top priority in the coming months. But one goal that hasn’t been erased, and never will be, is to represent the United States on the Olympic stage.
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Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks and Team USA Stripes gesture during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
With the Summer Games returning to Los Angeles in 2028, Brunson was asked by Pak Gazette Digital if playing in the Olympics is still at the top of his goal list.
“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 more to say. It’s certainly one of my goals.”
Brunson was considered a major snub in 2024 when he was left off Team USA’s roster for the Paris Olympics, where they won gold. One of the main roster debates was whether other point guards, including Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, should have made the team instead of Brunson.
In the end, Brunson said he thought he had done enough to deserve the spot after how well he played that season.
“I thought it might have fit,” he said. GQ Sports in 2024. “I’ve played a lot of roles throughout my career; I could play another. But obviously, it just wasn’t in the cards at the time. And so, you move on and find ways to get better.”
Brunson remains one of the best point guards in the league, especially in crunch time when a basket is needed for his Knicks. If Brunson continues to be the leader in “The Mecca,” there’s no doubt he’ll be invited west to Las Vegas to try out for Team USA among the best in the country once again.
Jalen Brunson of the 2023 USA Basketball Men’s National Team shoots in a practice session during the team’s training camp at UNLV Mendenhall Center as the team prepares for the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup on August 6, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Brunson’s drive to join the team is not just for his own individual professional accomplishments, but for something more. It is love for the country and for truly wearing the Stars and Stripes alongside his compatriots. He has done it in other tournaments, including the FIBA World Cup 2023, but never on the Olympic stage.
“I think it will be a great opportunity if it presents itself,” he continued. “It would be an honor to represent the country. Very few people have the ability to do that. Obviously, whether it’s playing a sport for your country or representing your country through 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 shooting guard is averaging 27.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game for the Knicks this season. He hopes to lead the Knicks to the playoffs with the goal of getting past the Eastern Conference Finals this time after losing to the Pacers in six games at that stage last season.
CHOOSE BETTER WITH BODYARMOR
As Brunson watches the NBA Playoffs, he’s also excited for another intense stretch in basketball: NCAA March Madness.
BODYARMOR announced its return to college sports on Tuesday after seven years through a new multi-year partnership as the official sports drink of the NCAA. As such, the ad leading up to March Madness has the tagline “Pick Better,” something Brunson, a two-time NCAA champion with Villanova, knows goes a long way this time of year, whether professional or college.
Jalen Brunson of the 2023 USA Basketball Men’s National Team watches his shot in a practice session during the team’s training camp at UNLV Mendenhall Center as the team prepares for the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup on August 6, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“The most important thing is that it starts with hydration,” she said when asked how she chooses best on a daily basis. “I think no matter what, when you’re hydrated, your muscles [and] your body feels good. Obviously, you also need nutrition. This is how you replenish yourself throughout the game, through hydration. That’s how I choose better.”
BODYARMOR will have exclusive sports drink rights for NCAA March Madness, making it the only hydration beverage featured 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 began in April 2025, will also feature LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson, the brand’s newest partner.
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