This Sunday marks the start of Ice Cubes BIG3 league, a 3-on-3 tournament for retired NBA players.
Usually watching stars who are years removed from their prime play a halfcourt game would be a tough sell, but with the next NBA season being months away, fans are desperate to catch a somewhat decent run.
The BIG should be every basketball junkies way to get through these rough summer months, at least until football comes around. Who doesnt want to watch a 53-year-old Charles Oakley try to get buckets? Here are some players to keep an eye on for each team.
Allen Iverson – 3s Company
It can be argued that Allen Iverson was the coolest NBA player of all time. His iconic braids, swagger, and his role in the integration of Hip Hop into the league will not soon be forgotten.
Allen Iverson Is Making A Return To Basketball In Ice Cube’s “Big 3” League (“Ballin’ Again” Teaser)
Big 3 league kicks off June 25th in Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center. For the full schedule and tickets visit: https://big3.com/ SUBSCRIBE to the Official WorldStarHipHop Channel for more original WorldStar material, music video premieres, and more: http://goo.gl/jl4las More WorldstarHipHop: http://worldstarhiphop.com https://twitter.com/worldstar (Follow) https://fb.com/worldstarhiphop (Like) http://instagram.com/worldstar (Photos) http://shop.worldstarhiphop.com (Shop)
Even off the court, Iverson was a presence with the way he dressed and his infamous Practice rant. After a forgettable end to his career, hes back as a player/coach for the BIG3. Hes been putting work in at the gym to remind fans of his old Answer days. It will be fun seeing his signature crossover again, even if its a step slower.
Stephen Jackson – Killer 3s
No one will be more competitive in this league than Stack Jack. Over his 13-year NBA career, Jackson was the ultimate grinder. He was a member of many memorable teams such as the Malice in the Palace Pacers to the We Believe Warriors in 2007 who knocked off the number one seed Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs as an 8th seed. The BIG3 has rules allowing players to be more physical, so expect Jackson to thrive.
Jermaine ONeal – Tri State
It feels like an eternity ago, but Jermaine ONeal was once one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. As a member of the Indiana Pacers, he would give defenders fits in the post. His ability to not only physically overpower his opponent, but to shoot over them as well could be seen as a blueprint for modern day stretch 5s.
Only three years removed from his last professional game, ONeal might still have some juice left, and there arent too many players who will be able to guard him.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf – 3 Headed Monsters
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is the player Im most excited to watch in the tournament. Its often said that a jumper will stay with a player forever, so viewers are in for a treat. The former LSU and Denver Nugget standout can heat up at any moment resulting in a Stephen Curry type of unconsciousness from beyond the arc.
Look out to for him to lead the league in 4-point shots because with his shooting stroke, nothing is out of range.
Rashad McCants – Trilogy
After only four quick seasons in the NBA, McCants was considered by some to be a questionable choice to be selected number one in the BIG3 draft. At the age of 32, hes one of the youngest players in the league and apparently made an impact at the tryouts. Hopefully, he can be a shade of the player he once was at the University of North Carolina who averaged nearly 20 points a game for the three years he was there.
BIG3 Takes On Barclays Center in New York
This weekend, Ice Cube, Charles Oakley, Stephen Jackson and Roger Mason Jr. took over Brooklyn’s Barclays Center during the Nets vs. Knicks game to announce that the arena would be the home to BIG3’s historic season opener on June 25th. “Brooklyn has been on our radar since we started the BIG3.
Mike Bibby – Ghost Ballers
If any player has gotten more in shape after retiring from the NBA, its Mike Bibby.
He currently looks like he could bench press the Mike Bibby who once played for the Sacramento Kings. Combine his newfound strength with his unbelievable ball handling skills and highlights will be produced. Look for Bibby to drop some serious dimes.
Josh Childress – Ball Hogs
Josh Childress came into the league providing four quality seasons for the Atlanta Hawks, then unexpectedly left to play in Greece. Its still a puzzling move to this day.
He returned two years later but wasn’t the same player. The BIG3 is his chance at redemption and to remind people of the promising player he once was. Not to mention that Rick Barry, one of the most competitive people alive, is his coach, and must have saw something in him to draft him.
It will also be nice to see his killer afro again.
Player Profile Rashad McCants
Rashad McCants ain’t messing around. See who else has been putting in the work when #BIG3 hoops premieres next Monday, June 26, 8 PM ET, on FS1
Corey Maggette – Power
Every season except for two of his 13 in the NBA, Maggette averaged over 10 points a game. He has always been able to score, which makes him a breakout candidate in this tournament.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see him have a couple of monster games throughout the summer.
