As a veteran NBA guard, Langston Galloway’s journey with USA Basketball’s Olympic team has been nothing short of extraordinary. His stint with the team ends tonight in London, but the memories of donning the USA jersey, playing in exhibition games, and meeting prominent figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will remain etched in his mind forever. Galloway’s gratitude for this experience is palpable. “I’m truly thankful. I’m truly thankful for everything that has been coming my way. I put myself in the right place at the right time,” he shared with Andscape during a phone interview from Abu Dhabi last week. A Glance at Galloway’s NBA Career Galloway, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, played a reserve role in over 452 regular-season games across various NBA teams, including the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, and Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2022. After a stint in the NBA G League, he ventured overseas, playing for Rytas Vilnius in Lithuania and Pallacanestro Reggiana in Italy last season. His association with USA Basketball is not new; he has previously played on FIBA World Cup qualifying teams in 2022 and 2023 and the Select Team. USA Select Team and Training Camp Galloway was selected for the 2024 USA Select Team, which trained alongside the USA Men’s National Team during their training camp. Post-camp, he, along with Micah Potter and Nigel Hayes-Davis, accepted invitations to serve as practice players for the senior men’s national team during exhibitions in Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and London in preparation for the Paris Olympics. Their role included participating in practices, workouts, and even exhibition games when needed. “Langston has been great,” said USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill. “He was with us last year during our World Cup run as well. He really understands the FIBA game, having played professionally in Europe and being a member of our World Cup qualifying teams. He, Micah, and Nigel play an important role in our overall preparation for Paris. We are thankful for their presence and contributions to our team’s success.” Sean Ford, USA Basketball’s head of men’s programming, added, “Langston’s commitment and contribution to USA Basketball has been incredible. No player had a bigger impact on getting us qualified for the World Cup than him, playing in five windows in a row and leading us to an 8-2 record. Langston, Nigel, and Micah have all contributed to a successful training camp. For them to take three weeks out of their offseason to help other players train for the Olympics, knowing that they won’t be able to be a part of the team in Paris, is an incredibly selfless act. It is a reflection of the character of each of them, and I hope this opportunity helps them advance their careers.” The Journey as a Practice Player The Invitation Process Galloway’s journey to becoming a practice player for USA Basketball’s senior men’s national team began with a text message. “During this past season in Italy, with probably two weeks left, I got a text from Sean Ford around April 15. He was like, ‘Hey, what do you think about coming to help us this summer?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I would love to help you.’ He said, ‘I want you to come back and play on the Select Team and help us get ready for the Olympics while traveling with the team as well.’” After consulting with his wife, Galloway accepted the invitation. “The rest is history. I did a little bit of this last year with the World Cup team. I was just a fill-in guy if somebody was injured or wanted a break. And it was explained to me that it was the same thing this year. You have a lot of seasoned guys who take a rep off here and there, and I could jump in and help from time to time. That sounds like a plan because I am all for it, especially the opportunity to play on the court.” Reactions from Family and Friends The reactions from Galloway’s family and friends were overwhelmingly positive. “It’s been a lot of love over these past couple of days to get in the game. Well, obviously, to run out there, dress out for the first game in Vegas, and get the reaction from just dressing out. I played maybe two minutes in that game. I didn’t know if I was going to dress out or not. I got to the arena and saw my jersey, and it was like, ‘Whoa, okay, all right, well, I might have to play tonight if we’re up big or something like that.’ Just being able to get in there — and I don’t want to say showcase; I still got it. I’ve never lost it — but it’s just a special moment.” Memorable Moments One of the coolest aspects of this experience for Galloway has been the camaraderie on the bench. “Just being on the bench. Dapping everybody up, talking to different guys. And just being one of the guys. To see the embrace. Sometimes, you’re ostracized. You’re an outsider. You’re not actually on a team. You’re there as a fill-in. And so, to be welcomed means the world to me because that means that I was respected when I played in the league at that time. I’m respected by my peers. So that’s a good thing.” Significant Interactions Meeting Vice President Kamala Harris Meeting Vice President Kamala Harris was a special highlight for Galloway. “That was a special moment. It’s funny because I have some friends who are close to Kamala from the political side, and meeting her in person is a special moment. It’s a special moment to be able to wear the USA across my chest, introduce myself, and just be in that moment with everybody else. So that was special, really special.” Playing with Top NBA Talent Being on the floor with top