NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 11: (L-R) Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin; Roger Mason Jr., Jeff Kwatinetz, Ice Cube, and Rashard Lewis attend a press conference announcing the launch of the BIG3, a new, professional 3-on-3 basketball league, on January 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for BIG3) ORG XMIT: 691015503 ORIG FILE ID: 631496556 Allen Iverson is the biggest name in Ice Cube’s Big3 League.
3-on-3 basketball is the most played sport in the world.It shows a player’s technical skill-set and anyone regardless of age can play it and thrive at it (one of my pickup game partners is pushing 50 and is a threat to just about anyone we play).That being said as an NBA fan I have had the chance to see some of the greats play (Kobe, Iverson, Duncan to name a few), now I can see players I love still play the game.
Starting in June the inaugural Big3 league will kick off in a country wide arena tour with NWA rapper Ice Cube as the brainchild of this genius idea with former National Basketball Players Association Deputy Executive Director and NBA player Roger Mason, Jr. will serve as the league’s Commissioner and President,
“The BIG3 was created as the ultimate basketball fan experience,” said Ice Cube. “We’re bringing some of the baddest names to ever play the game, and giving them a platform to not only showcase their skills, but to entertain their fans in a high-energy, physical and competitive environment. As a diehard basketball fan, I personally can’t wait to see my favorite players back in action.”
Former NBA players who have officially committed to participate include: Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, Gary Payton, Kenyon Martin, Stephen Jackson, Jermaine O’Neal, Rashard Lewis, Jason Williams, Bonzi Wells, Mike Bibby and George “The Iceman” Gervin. Payton and Gervin will serve as coaches, with Iverson serving as a player/coach – the rest are confirmed to play.
“I thought of this concept as a fan who got sick of seeing his heroes retire and not play anymore,” Ice Cube told The Vertical. “A lot of these guys can still play once they retire – just not the back-to-backs or four games in five nights.
The BIG3 will comprise eight teams of five players, one head coach, and one assistant coach. Regular season games will take place each Saturday from June 24 through August 12, with playoff games played on August 19 and 26. The BIG3 will take place each week in a different arena and city across the country, with all four games happening on the same day in the same venue, creating the excitement of a Final Four or All-Star Game atmosphere.
I for one am excited to see this list of legends grow and to watch some of my favorite players from the 90’s/00’s showcase that though they are retired they still got game.
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- Allen Iverson
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