In any professional sport, representing the national team is often considered one of the highest honors an athlete can achieve. Wearing your colors on the global stage is a dream shared by many, but only a select few get the opportunity. However, not everyone who deserves a spot on the roster gets it. And sometimes, the most deserving players are left watching from the sidelines. The 2023 FIBA World Cup showcased some of the NBA’s brightest talents donning the red, white and blue to compete on the international stage.

Around 400 NBA players compete for a coveted 12-player national team roster spot, showcasing the fierce competition involved. In a league brimming with talent, the selection process is as brutal as it is competitive. The WNBA is no different. Recent revelations from Candace Parker’s former teammate shed light on a snub similar to Trae Young‘s.

A WNBA MVP’s unfortunate snub from the Team USA roster

While Trae Young’s omission from Team USA garnered attention, another glaring snub was the subject of interest in women’s basketball. Parker’s LA Sparks ex-teammate, Nneka Ogwumike, a 33-year-old WNBA veteran, found herself on the outside looking in when it came to national team selection.

Ogwumike is a former WNBA Rookie of the Year and an 8x All-Star who has had an illustrious career in the league so far. Her achievements include EuroLeague championships, MVP titles, and countless other accolades. In her recent appearance on the podcast Knuckleheads, she discussed her omission from Team USA and shed light on the challenging selection process.

Acknowledging the tough competition for national team roster spots, Ogwumike emphasized the challenge of securing a place among the 12. With humility and a sense of perspective, she reflected on the reality that only the best of the best could make the cut.

“I mean honestly you know they tell everyone the same thing. And it’s true it’s only 12 spots you know. It’s a hard team to make, it definitely is, it’s a hard team to make the work. That was the first time that I was like, let me just look at my resume real quick.” 

While she holds an impressive resume, her realization of how tough the selection process can be resonated with fans. Her omission was even bitter considering her incredible MVP performance in 2016. She didn’t play in the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup, and no events after that. Seven years later, the LA Sparks forward revealed the possibilities for her omission.

Read More: Accepting Secret Marriage for 37 YO Daughter, Who Is WNBA Legend Candace Parker’s Spouse?

But for an NBA player, perhaps being snubbed from the national team roster is an even bitter pill to swallow.

Trae Young’s snub from the FIBA World Cup

The Atlanta Hawks’ sensational guard, known for his remarkable skills and court vision, Trae Young’s omission from the national team roster definitely raised eyebrows. Many argued that he could have been among the top players representing the country. Young, a 2x NBA All-Star and a 2022 Third Team All-NBA selection, expressed his willingness to play for Team USA but ultimately did not make the cut.

In an appearance on former NBA player Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, he expressed his desire to showcase his passing ability on the biggest stage. He also emphasized that he would be content playing a supporting role if required, but he would love to represent Team USA. Despite his readiness and belief that he deserved a spot, he graciously acknowledged the importance of respecting the senior players.

Watch This Story: King James Bows Down to WNBA Queen A’ja Wilson After the 2X MVP Went Off Wearing New LeBron 20s

For both Young and Ogwumike, it serves as an experience stressing their humility and respect in the face of adversity. While Ogwumike last wore the US Colors in 2014, Young has yet to don the jersey.