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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 those from the United States (the other being Team Stars), while the third All-Star team was dubbed Team World.
But while Brunson certainly enjoys being an All-Star while simultaneously representing his country, he still has his eyes on the real thing: Team USA basketball in the Olympics.
There are more boxes to check on Brunson’s career goals chart: Winning an NBA title with the Knicks is the top priority in the coming months. But one goal that has not been erased and never will be: representing the United States on the Olympic stage.
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Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks and Team USA Stripes gestures during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
With the Summer Games returning to Los Angeles in 2028, PK Press Club Digital asked Brunson if competing in the Olympics remains at the top of his list of goals.
“Absolutely,” Brunson said, while also discussing her partnership with BODYARMOR and her “Choose Better” campaign ahead of March Madness next month. “I don’t think there’s anything else to say. That’s definitely one of my goals.”
Brunson was seen as 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 debates surrounding the roster was whether other guards, including Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, should have made the team rather than Brunson.
Ultimately, Brunson said he believes he did enough to earn this spot after playing well this season.
“I thought I might have fit in,” he said GQ Sports in 2024. “I’ve played many roles throughout my career; I could play another one. But obviously, it just wasn’t planned at that time. And so you move forward and you find ways to improve.”
Brunson continues to be one of the best point guards in the league, especially in critical moments when a field goal is needed for his Knicks. If Brunson continues to be the leader of “Mecca”, there is no doubt that he will be invited west, to Las Vegas, to be part of the American team among the best in the country.
Jalen Brunson of the 2023 United States men’s national basketball team shoots during a practice session during the team’s training camp at UNLV’s 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 be a part of the team isn’t just due to his own professional accomplishments, but rather something more. It’s love of country and wearing the American flag for real alongside your countrymen. He has done so in other tournaments, including the 2023 FIBA World Cup, 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 it.
“I would be honored and grateful.”
Brunson was named to his third straight All-Star team this year, as the two-time All-NBA 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 this point last season.
CHOOSE BETTER WITH BODYARMOR
As Brunson looks ahead to the NBA Playoffs, he’s also excited about another intense stage of basketball: NCAA March Madness.
BODYARMOR announced Tuesday its return to collegiate sports after seven years through a new multi-year partnership as the official sports drink of the NCAA. As such, the ad before March Madness carries the slogan “Choose Better,” something Brunson, a two-time NCAA champion with Villanova, knows goes a long way this time of year – whether in the pros or in college.
Jalen Brunson, of the 2023 United States men’s national basketball team, watches his shot during a practice session during the team’s training camp at UNLV’s 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)
“Most importantly, it starts with hydration,” he replied when asked how he chooses better in his daily life. “I think that no matter what, when you are 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 rights to NCAA March Madness sports drinks, making it the only hydration drink 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 launched in April 2025, will also feature LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson, the brand’s new partner.
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