Veteran guard Mike James has been named to USA Basketball’s 12-man roster for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, marking the first time the EuroLeague superstar will represent the United States at the senior national team level.
USA Basketball announced the squad ahead of two crucial qualifying games, with Team USA facing the Dominican Republic on July 3 before taking on Mexico on July 6. Training camp will begin in Miami later this week under head coach Stephen Silas.
James arrives with one of the most decorated international resumes in basketball. The 35-year-old is the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer and has enjoyed a standout career across Europe, most recently starring for AS Monaco. Despite brief NBA stints earlier in his career, this will be his first appearance for the USA senior national team.
Joining James on the roster is Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff, who returns after appearing in all 82 NBA games last season. The squad also features a mix of experienced overseas professionals, G League standouts, and fringe NBA players, a strategy USA Basketball traditionally uses during qualification windows held outside the NBA calendar.
Team USA currently sits in a strong position in the Americas qualifying campaign and has already secured progression to the next phase. However, the upcoming games against the Dominican Republic and Mexico remain important for final group positioning entering the second round of qualifiers.
Mike James’ inclusion adds elite scoring, veteran leadership, and international experience to the American squad as it looks to continue its successful path toward qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
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