Texas Longhorns Basketball Chosen to Represent United States in Prestigious 2025 GLOBL JAM Tournament This Summer in Canada

The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team has been selected to represent the United States at the 2025 GLOBL JAM, a prestigious international basketball tournament hosted annually in Toronto, Canada. This honor not only underscores the program’s recent rise in prominence under head coach Rodney Terry but also places the Longhorns on a global stage where they will compete against some of the best collegiate and under-23 national squads from around the world.

GLOBL JAM, sanctioned by Canada Basketball and featuring partnerships with Sportsnet and the NBA, is designed to showcase elite-level under-23 basketball talent while encouraging cross-cultural sports diplomacy. In previous editions, powerhouse programs like Baylor and Kentucky have served as Team USA, helping the American side claim the inaugural gold medal in 2022 and contend for medals in subsequent tournaments. Now, it’s the Longhorns’ turn to wear the red, white, and blue this summer from July 6-14, 2025.

For Texas, the opportunity represents more than just offseason competition. It’s a chance for a roster that has been reshaped through both returning stars and key additions to bond in a uniquely competitive environment. The team will benefit from additional practices leading up to the event, allowing for early chemistry development and enhanced player growth that can pay dividends once the NCAA season begins in the fall.

Head coach Rodney Terry, who has steadily built the Longhorns into a formidable presence in the Big 12 and nationally, expressed both pride and excitement at the opportunity. “It’s an incredible honor for our team to represent the United States in GLOBL JAM,” Terry said in a statement. “This experience will be invaluable for our players and staff, giving us the chance to compete at a high level, come together as a group, and show the world what Texas Basketball is all about.”

The Longhorns are expected to bring a versatile and dynamic roster to the tournament. Though the official team has not yet been finalized, it will consist of under-23 players and will likely feature several core returners, top transfers, and rising underclassmen. One name to watch closely is rising junior guard Chendall Weaver, whose breakout performance late last season turned heads. If Weaver continues his upward trajectory, GLOBL JAM could be his coming-out party on the international stage.

In addition to Weaver, incoming recruits and transfers are expected to make significant contributions. Texas has landed several highly-regarded prospects during the offseason, and GLOBL JAM could serve as a trial by fire for them against international competition. Players like five-star freshman forward Josiah Mosley and Oregon transfer Kwame Adkins may have a chance to show how they can fit into the system early. For Terry, evaluating players in live game scenarios before fall practice even begins offers an invaluable head start on shaping next season’s identity.

But the impact of GLOBL JAM reaches beyond on-court benefits. Representing Team USA brings a sense of national pride and purpose that few college programs ever experience. It instills in players the responsibility of competing not just for their school, but for their country. This kind of pressure and prestige can sharpen focus, harden resolve, and teach lessons that last long after the final buzzer.

The structure of the tournament typically features a round-robin format followed by a semifinal and gold-medal game. In 2025, the United States will compete against three other national teams—each representing their home country with top collegiate or under-23 talent. Past participants have included teams from Canada, Italy, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Germany. The international style of play offers a different look than typical NCAA action, often emphasizing ball movement, shooting, and physical defense.

That contrast in styles will be part of the learning curve for Texas. The Longhorns will need to adapt quickly to FIBA rules, which differ in meaningful ways from NCAA regulations. The shorter shot clock, the wider key, and differences in officiating can initially challenge players who are unfamiliar with international play. However, that adaptation process is part of what makes GLOBL JAM such an effective developmental tool. It forces players out of their comfort zones and encourages them to think the game at a higher level.

Historically, the benefits for American college teams participating in this event have been substantial. Baylor, who won the 2022 tournament while representing Team USA, credited their GLOBL JAM experience with building a competitive edge that carried over into the regular season. Kentucky, who participated in 2023, praised the additional practices and game reps for helping their young roster gel quicker than expected. If the past is any indication, Texas could be poised for a strong start to their 2025-26 campaign thanks to their time in Toronto.

The exposure of GLOBL JAM is also noteworthy. With games broadcast across Sportsnet and streamed for global audiences, the Longhorns will receive attention from scouts, media, and fans well beyond their usual footprint. For players with professional aspirations, particularly those aiming for the NBA or overseas careers, the tournament serves as a global audition. Several past participants have seen their draft stock rise significantly after strong showings.

From a recruiting standpoint, the national spotlight is invaluable. Prospective athletes watching the tournament will see Texas not only competing at a high level but doing so under the flag of the United States. It sends a message that the program is not only competitive domestically but also respected internationally. Coach Terry and his staff will no doubt leverage that exposure on the recruiting trail as they continue to build Texas into a perennial contender.

The timing of GLOBL JAM also aligns perfectly with the NCAA offseason calendar. With the event taking place in July, Texas will be able to train and compete without conflicting with academic obligations or the regular season. The additional practice time granted by the NCAA for international events allows teams like Texas to effectively begin their season several months early, building a foundation that can be carried into the fall.

Fans of the program are already expressing excitement at the announcement. The chance to watch their team represent the United States on an international stage is a rare honor and a testament to the work being done behind the scenes. The University of Texas has long been a proud athletic institution, but its men’s basketball program has often fought for the national spotlight amid competition from football and other sports. Representing Team USA is another major step in raising the program’s profile.

It also comes at a time when the Big 12 is undergoing shifts in identity and competitiveness. With realignment affecting the landscape and new rivals emerging, Texas has a chance to assert itself as a flagbearer for the conference before heading to the SEC. A strong showing at GLOBL JAM would not only reflect well on the Longhorns but also on the strength of their preparation and resilience as they transition to even tougher competition.

While the full tournament schedule and roster announcements will be released closer to the event, one thing is certain: the Texas Longhorns will arrive in Toronto with high expectations and a unique opportunity. Playing under the banner of Team USA adds gravity to every game and offers players a chance to wear their country’s name across their chests—a dream for any athlete.

The selection of Texas for this honor is no accident. It is a direct reflection of a culture being built—a culture of competitiveness, discipline, and growth. Under Rodney Terry, the Longhorns have made deep postseason runs, developed NBA talent, and remained a consistent force in the national rankings. Now, they’ll carry that standard across the border, ready to face international foes and return with valuable lessons and possibly a gold medal.

As July approaches, all eyes will turn to Canada, where Team USA—this time in burnt orange—will look to make a statement on the global stage. For the players, coaches, and fans, it’s a summer to remember. For Texas Basketball, it’s another stride toward greatness.