Andrew Pace
The 3-on-3 basketball league, Big3, was first announced in 2017 by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz. Since its inaugural season, the league has grown in popularity, with the 2024 season featuring teams based in Miami, Houston, and Detroit. The Big3 has also expanded its brand, partnering with Adidas to launch a youth initiative and a retail line of merchandise. The league has also implemented unique rules, such as the Bring the Fire challenge rule and the use of a red Fireball ball. The championship trophy has been awarded to several teams over the years, with Trilogy taking the inaugural trophy in 2017, and Bivouac winning the most recent championship in 2024.
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What You'll Learn
Trilogy won the first Big3 Championship in 2017
The 3-on-3 basketball league, Big3, was announced on January 11, 2017, by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in New York City. The league's inaugural week of games took place on June 25, 2017, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Trilogy won the first Big3 Championship game on August 26, 2017, defeating the 3 Headed Monsters by a score of 51-46. This win completed a perfect 10-0 season for Trilogy, which included an 8-0 regular season record. Kenyon Martin of Trilogy celebrated with the trophy after the game. Trilogy's undefeated season led to several awards for the team members, including Defensive Player of the Year (James White) and Coach of the Year (Rick Mahorn).
The Big3 league features eight travelling teams filled with former NBA players and is governed by some unique rules. For instance, instant replay can be used to determine 3- and 4-point shots, out-of-bounds calls, flagrant fouls, goaltending, basket interference, and clearance. All defensive strategies are allowed, including hand-checking, which is banned in the NBA.
Trilogy went on to win the Big3 Championship again in 2021 and 2022, becoming the first dynasty in Big3 history. Stephen Jackson won the BIG3 Championship in each of his two years as a Head Coach of Trilogy.
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The Power won the Big3 league in 2018
The Power, coached by Nancy Lieberman, had only two returning players from their inaugural campaign, but this didn't stop them from claiming the title. They faced a strong challenge from the previous year's champions, Trilogy, who returned with all five regulars and an undefeated record from the first season. With their physical style of play and strong chemistry, Trilogy was favoured to repeat as champions.
However, The Power proved their mettle, and in a thrilling final, they emerged victorious over 3's Company to be crowned the new Big3 champions. The Ball Hogs, Ghost Ballers, Killer 3's, and Trilogy played additional games to determine the lower positions, although these did not officially count in the standings. The second-place game was won by 3 Headed Monsters, who beat Tri-State to secure third place.
The Big3 league showcases the talent and competitiveness of former NBA stars adapting to the 3-on-3 format, and the 2018 season was no exception. With teams making roster changes and strategic adjustments, the league continues to evolve and provide exciting basketball action. The Power's victory in 2018 demonstrated the importance of adaptability and teamwork in the fast-paced and intense world of 3-on-3 basketball.
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The Triplets were awarded the Big3 trophy in 2019
The Big3 Basketball League consists of 12 teams with rosters that include former NBA players and international players. In 2019, the league expanded to 12 teams, with the addition of Bivouac, Enemies, Aliens, and Triplets. The Triplets, led by MVP Joe Johnson, faced off against Stephen Jackson and the Killer 3's in the championship game, ultimately claiming victory with a final score of 50-39. Johnson's impressive performance included a three-pointer and 28 points in the game, solidifying their win.
The Big3 season featured games taking place across various cities and arenas in the US. The third week of the first three games was held at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, while the third week of the second three games took place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The league played in a total of 18 cities, showcasing the talent and competition of the Big3 across the nation.
The 2019 Big3 draft, which took place in Las Vegas, also saw notable picks such as Royce White as the number one overall pick, and former NBA number one overall pick Greg Oden, who was selected seventh overall by the Aliens. The Big3 league has continued to grow and evolve, with partnerships and rule changes, providing a unique platform for basketball talent.
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The Enemies won the 2023 Big3 Championship
The game was a defensive battle from the start, with both teams struggling to find offensive momentum. The Enemies' strong defence made it challenging for the Triplets to find early offence, forcing them to work with a short clock. The Triplets' strategy centred around creating favourable switches and isolating Joe Johnson, the BIG3 GOAT, on a smaller defender. However, the Enemies effectively countered these tactics, making the Triplets work hard for every opportunity.
As the game progressed, the Triplets fought back, driven by the exceptional skills of Johnson. He consistently found ways to get into the paint and used his size to apply pressure both with and without the ball. When the Enemies employed a double-team strategy on Johnson during post-ups, he effectively distributed the ball, finding Moon, who landed two three-pointers in the second half. This gave the Triplets their first lead of the half, with a score of 39-38.
However, the Enemies remained resilient and responded with crucial jumpers at pivotal moments. Stewart, a key player for the Enemies, made a clutch catch-and-shoot three, keeping his team in the lead at 45-43. The Enemies extended their lead to 47-43, and despite a desperate attempt by the Triplets to tie the game with a four-pointer, the Enemies ultimately sealed their victory. Jordan Crawford, an NBA standout, played a pivotal role in the Enemies' triumph, showcasing his exceptional skills and contributing to their championship win.
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Bivouac won the 2024 Big3 Championship
The 2024 Big3 Championship Game took place at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday, August 18. The 3-on-3 basketball league, founded by Ice Cube, features All-Stars, Hall of Famers, and World Champions. The league is known for its diverse and innovative format, allowing trash talk and prioritising player-centric experiences.
Bivouac's road to the championship game included a notable playoff game against Tri-State, where Bivouac emerged victorious with a final score of 50-40. Bivouac's top performer in this game was Corey Brewer, who contributed 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals.
In the championship game, Bivouac faced off against 3's Company, a team that had also been seeking its first title in franchise history. The game was a rematch between the top two seeds in the Big3, with their first matchup decided by a technicality in Week 2. Bivouac's All-Star duo of Corey Brewer and Garlon Green played a pivotal role in their team's success, with Brewer averaging 18.4 PPG and Green averaging 14 PPG.
The 2024 Big3 Championship Weekend also included a celebrity game, with Team WeBull defeating Team Green by a score of 50-30. Notable performers in this game included Gillie (Team WeBull) and The Professor (Team Green).
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Frequently asked questions
Trilogy defeated the 3 Headed Monsters 51-46 in the inaugural Big3 Championship game in 2017.
Roger Mason Jr. was the first President and Commissioner of Big3 Basketball.
The Power won the Big3 Championship in 2018, defeating 3's Company 51-43.
The league's Most Valuable Player award in 2017 was won by 3 Headed Monsters forward Rashard Lewis.
