Former President Obama made a surprise appearance at USA Basketball's 50th anniversary party on Tuesday night, where he was all smiles among the players headed to Paris to represent the United States at this year's Olympics and beyond.
Obama gave a 10-minute speech during his appearance, reminding everyone how much of a basketball fan he is.
With the Olympic roster behind him, Obama said he believes Team USA will return home with a gold medal in basketball.
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Former President Obama attends an exhibition game between Canada and the United States ahead of the Paris Olympics at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“I just want to come here to say goodbye to the gold medal winners,” Obama said, USA Today reported.
“I'm pretty sure they will bring back the gold and represent us as we should be represented around the world.”
Obama also acknowledged in his speech all the legends and all those who have influenced American basketball over the past five decades.
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The party was attended by Hall of Famers, former Olympians and others, including Carmelo Anthony, Spencer Haywood, Cheryl Miller, Dawn Staley, Dwyane Wade, Sheryl Swoopes and Patrick Ewing.
Obama also sat courtside for Team USA's exhibition game against Canada, which the Stars and Stripes won 86-72. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards led the pack in points with 13 after shooting 6-of-10 from the field off the bench.
Steph Curry also scored 12 points, while Jrue Holiday scored 11 as well.
Curry was among those who enjoyed seeing Obama in attendance at the game.
Basketball Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood, left, talks with former President Obama in the second half of an exhibition game between Canada and the United States prior to the Paris Olympics at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“Having President Obama, who is a great man with the microphone and very inspiring with his words, was great to kick off this journey this summer with the celebration of 50 years of USAB and what we're trying to do this summer,” Steph Curry said via USA TODAY. “I got goosebumps as he spoke.”
Obama wasn't the only politician looking to send off Team USA, as Vice President Kamala Harris also briefly visited the team at their practice on the UNLV campus in Las Vegas.
Like Obama, Harris believes this group has what it takes to win everything in Paris.
“Bring back the gold,” he addressed the team.
Former President Obama attends an exhibition game between Canada and the United States ahead of the Paris Olympics at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas. The United States defeated Canada 86-72. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Team USA still has a few important matches on its schedule before the Olympics begin later this month. Its next match is July 15 against Australia in Abu Dhabi.
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