The presence of Mike James and Jaron Blossomgame on Team USA’s roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers highlights the journeys of American players who failed to establish themselves in the NBA but moved to Europe and developed into major figures in the game.
The United States national team jersey has traditionally been associated with the NBA’s biggest stars. During the qualifying windows, however, USA Basketball often turns to players with experience in the G League and overseas competitions. The roster for the games against Chile and Colombia includes two players who are very familiar to EuroLeague fans.
Mike James made 49 NBA appearances with the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets, but never found the role he was looking for. In Europe, by contrast, he developed into one of the most important players of his generation.
His selection for Team USA represented recognition of that journey. In the previous qualifying window, he averaged 17 points, 5.5 rebounds and 10 assists, while also recording 13 assists against the Dominican Republic.
Jaron Blossomgame followed a different path, but arrived at a similar destination. He was selected with the 59th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and made 27 appearances for the Cleveland Cavaliers, spending most of his early professional career in the G League.
His move to Europe transformed his career. Blossomgame initially stood out with Ulm, averaging 16.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in the EuroCup, before establishing himself at Monaco. He did not need to become the team’s leading scorer. Instead, he found his role through defense, energy and the ability to play multiple positions, helping the club reach the EuroLeague Final Four and eventually the championship game.
James and Blossomgame represent the modern continuation of a tradition that includes players such as Kyle Hines, Anthony Parker and Shane Larkin. In the United States, they were viewed mainly as supporting pieces. In Europe, they became champions, MVPs and defining figures for their respective teams.
Their selection for Team USA brings their journeys full circle. They left the United States searching for stability and a meaningful opportunity. Now they return to represent their country, having first discovered in Europe the players they were truly capable of becoming.