Who's Got Next? Young International Stars Preparing for the 2028 Olympics
A wave of young NBA talent from around the globe aims to dethrone Team USA as the Olympics return to Los Angeles.
Though the 2028 Olympics are still a few years away, anticipation is already building as Los Angeles prepares to once again host the world’s top athletes, just as it did in the 1984 Games.
Despite ongoing discussions about the world catching up to the United States in international basketball, Team USA remains the dominant force, having claimed gold in the last six Olympics.
Their 98-87 victory over host country France in Paris last weekend secured their 17th gold medal in 20 Olympic appearances, further cementing Team USA’s status as the team to beat.
However, the 2028 Games will likely represent a generational shift for Team USA.
France, who handed the U.S. its only Olympic loss in the last 20 years during the Tokyo Games, is expected to be the Americans’ biggest competition for gold in 2028.
Although LeBron James will be 43, Kevin Durant 39, and Steph Curry 40 in 2028, it's hard to count them out entirely. Despite their ages, they've continued to defy expectations, each averaging over 25 points per game during the 2023-24 season in the latter stages of their Hall of Fame careers.
However, it’s more likely that younger stars will take the reins in 2028, with Anthony Edwards, who will be 27, expected to step into a more prominent role. Here are some of the other candidates for the 2028 Team USA roster, along with their ages at that time:
Devin Booker (31)
Jayson Tatum (30)
Bam Adebayo (30)
Tyrese Haliburton (28)
Jalen Brunson (31)
Tyrese Maxey (27)
Chet Holmgren (26)
Paolo Banchero (25)
Zion Williamson (28)
Evan Mobley (27)
Cooper Flagg (21)
Jaylen Brown (31)
Ja Morant (29)
LaMelo Ball (26)
Brandon Miller (25)
Donovan Mitchell (31)
While Team USA is reloading with a new generation of stars, their biggest threat on the global stage may come from France, a team that is rapidly assembling a roster capable of challenging for gold.
France
France is shaping up to be Team USA's most formidable challenger at the 2028 Olympics, with a roster that blends talent, size, and defensive versatility. Leading the charge is Victor Wembanyama, who by then should be in the conversation for the best player in the world. His dominance on both ends of the floor will be crucial, but France's success hinges on improved guard play to unlock his full potential. Enter Nolan Traore, the most promising French guard prospect since Tony Parker, whose ability to penetrate and create will be vital in orchestrating France's offense.
France's frontcourt is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in the world, boasting a combination of size, versatility, and elite defense. With Wembanyama and Alex Sarr leading the charge, France has the luxury of two athletic big men with the potential to dominate on the defensive end of the floor.
Key Players:
Victor Wembanyama - The first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama has already made an indelible mark in the NBA. He was unanimously named the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting to Rudy Gobert, and became the first rookie ever named to the All-Defensive First Team. In the 2024 Olympics, Wembanyama was one of France's standout performers, scoring a team-high 26 points in the gold medal game. He earned the tournament's Rising Star award and was selected to the All-Star Five, averaging 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game. Wembanyama's ability to impact the game on both ends makes him the centerpiece of France's Olympic aspirations.
Bilal Coulibaly - Selected seventh overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2023 NBA Draft, Coulibaly gained valuable national team experience in the 2024 Olympics, even seeing minutes in the gold medal game. In his rookie NBA season, Coulibaly played in 63 games (starting 15) and averaged 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, while showing promise as a defender and shooter, connecting on 34% of his threes.
Matthew Strazel - Strazel added crucial Olympic experience in Paris, where he delivered a memorable game-tying shot against Japan, saving France from a potential upset. His poise under pressure and ability to contribute in key moments make him a reliable option in the backcourt.
Potential Players:
Alex Sarr - The first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, at 7’1” Sarr possesses the agility of a wing, making him capable of guarding the perimeter and protecting the rim. Sarr’s combination of size and athleticism, alongside Wembanyama, gives France a dynamic duo of shot blockers who can also defend in space. While Sarr’s defensive promise is considered elite, his potential impact for France could be even greater if he continues to develop as a scorer and playmaker, adding another dimension to his game.
Zaccharie Risacher - The first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher stands at 6’10” and provides France with reliable outside shooting and defense. Ranked as one of the best shooters in his draft class, his ability to guard multiple positions enhances France's defensive versatility, making him a crucial piece for any lineup.
Nolan Traore - Widely regarded as the best French guard prospect since Tony Parker, Traore is projected to be France’s point guard of the future. Several NBA scouts believed he was capable of making the 2024 roster, and his speed, ability to penetrate, and playmaking skills have French fans optimistic about their chances for gold in 2028.
Tidjane Salaun - Drafted sixth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2024 after a breakout season with Cholet in France’s top division, Salaun is an athletic wing with significant upside. Though still raw, his athleticism in the open floor and potential as a shooter could earn him a key role on the 2028 roster.
Noa Essengue - A projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Essengue is a long, athletic slasher who excels in transition. While he needs to get stronger and improve his shooting, his natural talent and potential make him one of the most exciting prospects in France’s talent pool.
Melvin Ajinca - Selected 51st overall by the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft and later traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Ajinca will play next season for LDLC ASVEL in France's top division. He provides France with much-needed outside shooting and shotmaking. Ajinca was named to the All-Tournament Second Team at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, leading France with 19.3 points per game.
Rayan Rupert - Drafted 43rd overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023, Rupert’s standout skill is his defense. His ability to lock down opponents could earn him a spot on the 2028 squad, providing crucial defensive depth.
Pacome Dadiet - Selected 25th overall by the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dadiet is a versatile wing who offers outside shooting, shotmaking, size, and playmaking. His skill set could make him a key contributor for France in Los Angeles.
Adama Bal - Expected to be one of the best players in college basketball during the 2024-25 season, Bal averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game at Santa Clara. Standing 6’6”, Bal would give France another versatile wing ball handler who can create for others.
Sidy Cissoko - Selected 44th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2023, Cissoko spent his rookie season with the Austin Spurs in the G League. His size at 6’6”, combined with his defensive versatility and connective passing, makes him an intriguing option for France’s 2028 roster.
Nadir Hifi - Hifi turned heads with impressive performances in the NBA2K25 Summer League for the Minnesota Timberwolves, including an 18-point outing against the Indiana Pacers. Known for his scoring and playmaking, Hifi’s ability to contribute across the board makes him a valuable asset for France’s guard rotation.
Hugo Besson - Selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, Besson brings a confident scoring touch to France’s backcourt. He has experience in the NBA Summer League and is capable of creating his own shot and hitting open threes, making him a reliable offensive threat off the bench.
Serbia
While France is expected to be Team USA's toughest competitor, Serbia showed in their last matchup that they’re more than capable of pushing the Americans to the brink, nearly pulling off an upset behind the brilliance of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.
Serbia remains a powerhouse in European basketball, and despite settling for a bronze medal in their most recent Olympic outing, they’re gearing up for a strong run in 2028. As Nikola Jokić, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Vasilije Micić move into the later stages of their careers, the spotlight will shift to a younger generation ready to step up. Serbia’s roster could be anchored by a tantalizing lineup of their "Three Nikola’s"—Jokić, Jović, and Topić—bringing together a blend of experience, versatility, and fresh talent.
Potential Players:
Nikola Topić - Selected 12th by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Topić is an aggressive guard known for his downhill penetration, scoring, and playmaking. Once considered a top 5 pick in the 2024 draft before injury concerns, he’s poised to make an impact.
Savo Drezgić - A freshman at Georgia and one of the most exciting prospects to scout in 2023-24. Drezgic brings scoring, toughness, and playmaking to the Serbian backcourt.
Nikola Jović - Entering his 3rd year with the Miami Heat, Jović is expected to have a breakout 2024-25 season. Standing at 6’10, he offers scoring, positional versatility, passing, and has become a much-improved shooter.
Bogoljub Marković - A potential 2025 draft pick and one of Europe’s top prospects. Marković is known for his defensive versatility and shot-blocking ability.
Nikola Djurisić - After an impressive second half of the 2023-24 season, Djurisic reestablished himself as a top European prospect. He offers size, positional versatility, ball handling, connective passing, and has the potential to be a jumbo playmaker.
Germany
Germany is primed to make a serious push for an Olympic medal in 2028, led by a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Dennis Schröder, the driving force behind Germany's recent successes, will be in his mid-30s, likely making one last bid to bring home Olympic hardware. As Schröder transitions to a veteran role, Franz Wagner is set to take the reins as the face of German basketball, entering the prime of his career at 26 years old. Alongside him, familiar faces like Moe Wagner and Isaac Bonga will provide valuable experience, bolstering Germany’s chances.
The backcourt will see a shift with Texas Tech freshman Christian Anderson, the heir apparent to Schröder, stepping into the spotlight. Anderson has already showcased his potential, leading Germany’s U18 team to a FIBA EuroBasket championship with a standout 31-point, 5-assist performance in the final.
Potential Players:
Christian Anderson - A product of Oak Hill Academy, where he averaged 19.1 points and 4.6 assists per game, Anderson was a McDonald’s All-American nominee. His high school career included setting the Georgia state record with 861 points in a season, including a career-high 51-point game.
Tristan da Silva - Selected 18th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, da Silva is coming off an impressive Summer League, where he averaged 17.7 points per game on 60.7% shooting from the field, 58.8% from three-point range, and 100% from the free-throw line. He also contributed 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. Germany will rely on him for outside shooting and depth as a key part of their future.
Ariel Hukporti - Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, Hukporti is a massive interior presence who has fully recovered from a season-ending Achilles injury suffered in 2022. A strong rebounder and screen-setter, Hukporti’s ability to open up driving lanes for ball handlers will be crucial for creating open looks for Germany’s shooters.
Canada
Canada’s basketball program is on the rise, boasting the second-most NBA players of any country and securing a bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup, which marked their first Olympic appearance in 24 years. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge as the 2023-24 MVP runner-up, Canada was seen as one of the biggest threats to the United States heading into the Paris Olympics.
However, the team’s performance fell short of expectations, partly due to Jamal Murray's struggles throughout the tournament, where he averaged only six points per game on 41.2% shooting from two and a disappointing 14.3% from three. Additionally, a lack of size proved to be a significant weakness.
Fortunately, they have a towering solution in Zach Edey, who is expected to be a game-changer by 2028.
Potential Players:
Zach Edey - The 7’4”, 300-pound center, coming off a historic college career at Purdue, where he averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2 assists per game as a senior. Edey provides much-needed size, rebounding, rim protection, and interior scoring. After focusing on preparing for his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Edey is poised to anchor Canada’s frontcourt in 2028.
Shaedon Sharpe - The seventh overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe is entering his third season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite an injury-shortened sophomore season, he’s shown flashes of elite athleticism, scoring, and shooting. He’ll be a key offensive weapon for Canada.
Bennedict Mathurin - Another Canadian talent from the 2022 NBA Draft, Mathurin has quickly established himself as a prolific scorer with the Indiana Pacers. At just 21, he’s already earned All-Rookie first-team honors and brings athleticism, scoring, and shooting to Canada’s roster.
Leonard Miller - A potential difference maker who averaged 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the G-League last season with the Iowa Wolves. At 20 years old, Miller provides size, rebounding, and passing, making him a versatile option for Canada’s frontcourt.
Caleb Houstan - A sharpshooter drafted 32nd overall in 2022, Houstan shot 37.3% from three in limited minutes with the Orlando Magic. He offers size on the wing and reliable shooting, crucial for Canada’s offensive spacing.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper - The Dallas Mavericks' first-round pick in 2023, Prosper is a 3&D wing with size and defensive versatility, bringing a strong two-way presence to Canada’s lineup.
Will Riley - A long shot to make the 2028 roster, but a highly touted 5-star prospect entering his freshman season at Illinois. Riley provides scoring and could develop into a valuable piece for Canada’s future.
South Sudan
South Sudan is rapidly emerging as a potential African powerhouse in basketball, driven by the vision and leadership of Luol Deng and Royal Ivey. As one of the world’s youngest nations, South Sudan is harnessing the raw, NBA-caliber talent that Africa is known for, aiming to overcome the historical challenges of corruption, limited resources, and poor guard play that have hindered the continent's Olympic success. By 2028, South Sudan could field a roster with considerable NBA star power, blending promising young talent with seasoned international players.
Key Players:
Khaman Maluach - Projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, set to play his freshman season at Duke. Maluach is a raw but highly intriguing prospect with the potential to be a dominant rim protector and vertical lob threat, while also offering floor spacing. He gained valuable experience in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and international competition this summer.
Potential Players:
Omaha Biliew - Born in Omaha, NE to South Sudanese parents, Biliew could switch allegiances to South Sudan for the 2028 Olympics after representing the USA at the Under-19 World Cup. Once a top prospect in the 2023 high school class, Biliew faced a challenging freshman season at Iowa State but is looking to revive his NBA draft stock after transferring to Wake Forest.
Garey Duwal - A former first-round projection, Duwal is set to begin his sophomore season at Seton Hall after transferring from Providence. He offers shotmaking, good size for a ball handler, and athleticism, making him a valuable asset for South Sudan’s backcourt.
Taylor Bol Bowen - Entering his sophomore season with NBA potential, Bol Bowen was a 4-star recruit who chose Florida State over Duke. He provides athleticism and length on the wing, and is expected to take a significant leap in his development.
John Bol - A freshman at Ole Miss and a 2024 McDonald’s All American, Bol only arrived in the U.S. in 2021 but has quickly developed into one of the top prospects in the country. He brings size, athleticism, shot-blocking, and frontcourt depth, which will be crucial for South Sudan’s interior defense.
Australia
Australia is entering a new era in basketball, as the 2028 Olympics will mark the first major international tournament in two decades without long-time head coach Brian Goorjian and likely without stalwarts Patty Mills and Joe Ingles. While the Paris Olympics signaled the end of an era, the Boomers are far from depleted. A talented core featuring Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, Dante Exum, Matisse Thybulle, and Jock Landale is expected to lead the charge in Los Angeles, supported by a promising next generation of Australian talent.
Key Players:
Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, Dante Exum, Matisse Thybulle, Jock Landale - Expected to return and form the core of the team in 2028, bringing a blend of NBA experience and international competition to keep Australia competitive on the world stage.
Potential Players:
Rocco Zikarsky - At just 18 years old, the 7’3” Zikarsky is a projected first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His dominant performance at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, where he earned MVP honors by averaging 18.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game on 73.1% shooting, showcased his immense potential. Zikarsky will play for the Brisbane Bullets in Australia’s NBL this season, providing size, interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection.
Alex Toohey - Formerly committed to Gonzaga, Toohey opted to play for the Sydney Kings in the NBL. The 6’8” combo forward is a versatile player who can stretch the floor, pass, and fill the stat sheet. Toohey has already gained some experience with the senior national team in FIBA competition and is a potential 2025 NBA Draft pick.
Tyrese Proctor - A potential first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Proctor averaged 10.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds during his sophomore season at Duke. While he was once considered a lead guard, Proctor now seems best suited as a combo guard, offering shotmaking, sound decision-making, and playmaking as a pick-and-roll ball-handler.
Johnny Furphy - Selected 35th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Furphy brings a combination of size (6’9”), shooting, and athleticism to the wing position. He excels in the open floor and provides great energy. Furphy's outside shooting and defensive versatility will be crucial for the Boomers in 2028.
Luke Travers - Recently completed his third Summer League appearance after being drafted 56th overall in 2022, Travers has shown his ability to play and defend both forward spots. However, his outside shooting remains a concern. Travers will need to improve his shooting to secure a significant role in the 2028 Olympics.
Ben Henshall - A rising NBA prospect, Henshall caught the attention of scouts at the G League Fall Invitational in October. Despite the spotlight on other top prospects, Henshall emerged as a legitimate NBA talent, known for his high basketball IQ and shooting ability.
Taran Armstrong - After two standout seasons at Cal Baptist, where he was one of the most exciting playmakers in the country, Armstrong returned to Australia to play in the NBL. At 6’5”, his size and advanced court vision make him a potential difference-maker in the Boomers’ backcourt.
Spain
Spain finds itself in a period of transition as it bids farewell to its golden generation of players like Pau and Marc Gasol, Rudy Fernández, Ricky Rubio, and the Hernangómez brothers. The 2024 Olympics marked the end of an era, with Spain's squad—lacking the star power of past teams—being eliminated in group play after losing two of its three games. Rudy Fernández’s legendary career came to a close as he became the first man to compete in six Olympics, having spent more than half his life representing Spain at the senior level. Now, Spain must regroup and develop a new rotation capable of competing at the highest international level.
Potential Players:
Hugo Gonzalez - A projected lottery pick, Gonzalez is expected to enter the NBA Draft after likely playing his final season with Real Madrid. Gonzalez is a good athlete and a fierce competitor, known for his defensive intensity. He has been touted as Spain’s most promising NBA prospect since Rubio.
Izan Almansa - One of the most decorated youth players in history, Almansa was named MVP of the Under-19 and Under-17 FIBA World Cups in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and also took home MVP honors at the 2022 Under-18 FIBA European Championships. Almansa spent the 2023-24 season with the G League Ignite and will play for the Perth Wildcats in Australia next season. His impact comes from his hustle, energy, and finishing around the rim. His game is heavily reliant on strong playmaking, which he will get from Juan Núñez.
Juan Núñez - A Madrid native who developed in Real Madrid’s system, Juan Núñez was selected 36th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and promptly traded to the San Antonio Spurs. Renowned for his passing, crafty scoring, and pesky defense, Núñez has drawn comparisons to a bigger Tyus Jones and, naturally, Ricky Rubio. He will spend the 2024-25 season with Barcelona after signing a three-year deal and is expected to become Spain’s floor general of the future.
Aday Mara - Standing at 7’3”, Mara entered college basketball as one of the top international prospects but saw limited playing time during his freshman season at UCLA. Despite this, his size, passing instincts, and feel for the game make him an impactful player on both ends of the floor. Mara is projected to be the future center for the Spanish national team.
Baba Miller - One of the more intriguing prospects, Miller possesses great size at 6’11” and the athleticism and fluidity to play and defend multiple positions. Although he has yet to fully realize his potential at the college level, Miller’s skill set—including his ability as a ball handler and transition finisher—keeps him in the mix for Spain’s future national team rosters. He’ll need a strong season at Florida Atlantic to regain his draft buzz, but his blend of size and athleticism ensures his continued relevance.
As the global basketball landscape continues to evolve, many young NBA players and prospects are set to represent their national teams in future competitions, vying for Olympic berths. Below is a list of players, organized by country, followed by a couple of undecided players who have multiple national team options:
Bahamas
VJ Edgecombe
Belgium
Ajay Mitchell
Toumani Camara
Brazil
Gui Santos
China
Hansen Yang
Croatia
Michael Ruzić
Tomislav Ivišić
Zvonimir Ivišić
Karlo Matković
Finland
Miikka Muurinen
Greece
Neoklis Avdalas
Italy
Matteo Spagnolo
Gabriele Procida
Lithuania
Kasparas Jakucionis
Matas Buzelis
Mantas Rubštavičius
Mexico
Jaime Jaquez
Karim Lopez
Poland
Jeremy Sochan
Puerto Rico
Julian Strawther
Sweden
Bobi Klintman
Pelle Larsson
Switzerland
Kyshawn George
Turkey
Berke Buyuktuncel
Adem Bona
Alperen Şengün
Undecided
Andrej Stojaković - Represented Greece at the Nike Hoop Summit. Due to his father Peja's background, Stojaković is eligible to represent Serbia internationally, while due to his mother's background, he is eligible to represent Greece.
Tristan Vukčević - Currently with the Washington Wizards. Vukčević is eligible to represent Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Serbia due to his father’s background, and Sweden due to his mother’s background. He is also eligible to represent Italy or Spain. According to his father, Vukčević has decided to represent Serbia internationally.
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