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 NBA talent has been an honor for Galloway. “It’s special. I look around, and this is kind of like a branding [opportunity]. Everybody on this team has a shoe deal for the most part. There’s a couple of guys that don’t. And to be in the room with basically the top-tier guys, the superstars, the guys that will be Hall of Famers one day is honorable. And so, for me to be on the bench and to get a couple of minutes here and there sparingly and to be able to wear my shoes, Ethics The Brand, on the court. I’ve also interacted with other guys on the team who see what I’ve been doing. And getting their reaction is pretty cool. It’s a great conversation.”
Ethics The Brand: A Unique Venture
The Concept and Genesis
Galloway and his wife, Sabrina, started Ethics The Brand about two years ago. “It’s a performance vegan basketball sneaker. We’re unique because we are the only vegan basketball sneaker in the marketplace. Very focused on creating something different for the masses. I’ve been a vegan athlete, and I’ve taken veganism to a whole other level with how I prepare and take care of my body.”
What Makes the Shoe Vegan?
The shoe is made from vegan products that are good for the environment. “So, all the materials, everything that’s into the sneaker—I don’t want to say mostly biodegradable. There’s a piece that locks the shoe in, so you have to do that. But everything else, from the materials of the bottom to the upper to the shoelaces—is thought through and put together with vegan products that are good for the environment. Having a small imprint on the environment means the world, not just for myself but for everybody who wears the brand.”
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Favorite Moments
Galloway’s favorite moments include his interactions with top NBA players and special handshakes. “LeBron actually came up with a handshake for us [three practice players]. I was like, ‘Whoa!’ That was a moment. I know he has all these handshakes with everybody, but that was special. He doesn’t have to do that. Obviously, he has everything else going on, but that was cool. That was cool. We have our handshake and that was his idea. I didn’t have anything to do with that.”
Future Plans
Monday night’s game will be the last one for all three practice players unless USA Basketball asks them to continue. “That will be the last game I get a chance to play in unless USA and Sean Ford and those guys feel like it’s best for me to come with the team and still help out. And I would love to do that to continue my run with the team. I’ve done a great job just being there for the guys and being able to be supportive. But whatever’s next, if I do go back home after the London Games, look, I’ve enjoyed my journey and this trip, and I wish them nothing but the best to get the gold [medal]. That was the beginning goal. And that’s going to be the end goal. The only thing on everybody’s mind is getting the gold, and bringing it back home.”
Reflecting on His NBA Career
Galloway hasn’t had much time to reflect on his NBA career. “I really don’t because I’m in the moment and still playing. I’m enjoying the journey of it all. I haven’t had a chance to reflect, so I think of eight years of playing in the NBA. There have only been, what, 5,000 players in the world over the last how many years the league has been in existence to ever play in the NBA. There are billions of people on this planet. It’s unbelievable to think about in that aspect.”
Hopes of Returning to the NBA
Galloway hopes that his experience with USA Basketball could help him return to the NBA. “That is definitely the goal. If I can get an opportunity from any team to lace them back up in the NBA, that’s the goal. I have a few [European] offers on the table. I’m just waiting for a couple of things to unfold with the EuroLeague, EuroCup situation team-wise, and then my team as well that I played for this past year. Obviously, they’ve offered me, but I’m just waiting for a couple of other teams, EuroLeague to unfold. Then, I can make a decision and see what is next.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was Langston Galloway’s role with the USA Basketball team?
Galloway served as a practice player, participating in practices, workouts, and exhibition games as needed.
How did Galloway become a practice player for the USA Basketball team?
He was invited by Sean Ford of USA Basketball while he was playing in Italy.
What is unique about Ethics The Brand?
Ethics The Brand, founded by Galloway, is unique because it offers the only vegan basketball sneaker in the marketplace.
What are Galloway’s future aspirations?
Galloway hopes to return to the NBA and also has offers to play in European leagues.
What was Galloway’s favorite moment during his time with USA Basketball?
One of his favorite moments was LeBron James creating a special handshake for the practice players.
Conclusion
Langston Galloway’s journey with USA Basketball and his career in the NBA is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. Whether he is playing in the NBA, overseas, or contributing to the training of the USA Basketball team, Galloway continues to make an impact. His venture into creating a unique vegan basketball sneaker further reflects his innovative spirit. As he looks forward to future opportunities, Galloway remains a figure of inspiration both on and off the court.
