Ice Cube is not for the pop charts and never has been, but his ideas and understanding of what makes the people pop is global.
Im not sure if the guy has ever failed at anything. His movies are diverse and at the very least entertaining to people of all races, creeds and ethnicities. His lyrical, production and writing skills are legendary.
His profound knowledge of sports and his passion for the game of basketball is well-known and the inaugural season of his BIG3 pro hoops league proved once again that Cube is a pioneer, trendsetter and record-breaker.
He immediately established that there was a market for BIG3 hoops and on Saturday night, the first season of the league ended with undefeated Trilogy outlasting the 3-Headed Monsters, 51-46, to take home the league’s inaugural championship in Las Vegas.
BIG3 on Twitter
A truly amazing game, as Trilogy defeats 3-Headed Monsters 51-46. #BIG3Finals
When the idea of Ice Cube’s 3-on-3 pro league featuring retired NBA stars, former hopefuls and hoop dreamers hit the rumor mills, most fans were excited, but there were skeptics.
When reviewing the history of new leagues such as the the X.F.L, the U.S.F.L., roller hockey, indoor soccer and womens soccer leagues, we see that they almost always fail. Financial hardships, unstable ownership, television deals and waning interest can spoil the progress.
The BIG3, however, proved that it was a viable TV draw in its first week. Despite being aired on tape delay, the league’s debut attracted 398,000 viewers on FS1, placing it among the channels top 10 all-time basketball telecasts. The viewership ran hot and cold some weeks, but the overall numbers, the excitement and the star power was enough for FOX Sports to extended its media rights agreement with the BIG3.
We think we have something great with the BIG3 and are thrilled to add another year to our partnership, said Fox Sports head of business operations David Nathanson in a statement released by the league. “In its inaugural year, the league provided competitive, entertaining basketball that really resonated with fans, as evidenced by its television ratings on FS1 and packed arenas across the country.
BIG3 on Twitter
50 & Friends. #BIG3Finals
Throughout the course of the season, the BIG3 attracted a high level of attention from media, fans and celebrities thanks to an impressive roster of basketball thoroughbreds, headlined by player captains such as Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson, Rashard Lewis and Chauncey Billups; along with coaches including Julius Dr. J Erving, Gary Payton, Charles Oakley, Clyde Drexler, George Gervin, Rick Barry and Rick Mahorn.
Working with FOX Sports for another season is an opportunity we are very excited about, said Ice Cube. The network understands that the BIG3 is about competitive, hard-nosed, compelling basketball and theyve been a great partner to work with during our inaugural season. Our shared vision makes this partnership an ideal fit.
Trilogy finished the season a perfect 10-0, and was comprised of former NBA players Al Harrington, Kenyon Martin, Rashad McCants, James White and Dion Glover. They were coached by former Pistons enforcer Rick Mahorn.
Trilogy celebrates BIG 3 Championship win in Las Vegas
Trilogy, the team in Ice Cube’s BIG3 tournament, celebrates their win. Team members include coach Rick Mahorn, Kenyon Martin, Al Harrington, Rashad McCants, James White and Dion Glover
Coached by Hall of Famer Gary Payton, 3-Headed Monsters roster featured former NBA players Rashard Lewis, Kwame Brown, Eddie Basden, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Kareem Rush and Hakim Warrick.
McCants, the No. 1 pick of the league’s first draft,won BIG3 Championship MVP after posting 22 points in the title game.
FOX Sports on Twitter
@icecube comes out of nowhere with a league that can help me financially…show my skills, and I was able to take advantage.”- Rashad McCants https://t.co/c63BnrVHNq
When asked by sports personality Brandon Tierney back in June if he thinks his league will fade out like so many other experimental leagues, Cube said, I cant see it. I think when guys see these guys play..and understand how competitive it is and get to see these guys still with gas in the tank… People will say, How did we live without this.
So far. So good.
Ice Cube on Twitter
I’d like to thank all the new #BIG3 fans out there. We capped off an historic season. See you next summer. @thebig3 https://t.co/ekAig9a3Ni
