Helena Frye
Will McDonald, the American former professional basketball player, was drafted 5th overall in the 2019 BIG3 draft by the Ball Hogs. BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. It consists of 12 teams with rosters including former NBA players and international players. The McDonald's All American Game is an annual showcase of the nation's top high school basketball talent. In 2025, the 'Big 3' of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Petersen, and Cameron Boozer were considered the top three prospects in the game, with Peterson and Boozer sharing MVP honors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William McDonald |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1979 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of South Florida |
| BIG3 Draft | Drafted 5th overall in 2019 by the Ball Hogs |
| BIG3 Ranking | Ranked 4th in scoring and 2nd in rebounding in 2019 |
| The Basketball Tournament | Played for Overseas Elite in 2018; averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game |
| Team | Petron Blaze Boosters |
| Opponent | Barako Bull Energy |
| Game Result | 80-94 loss |
| Opponent Player | Mick Pennisi |
| Opponent Team | Barako Bull Energy |
| Incident | Threw the ball into Mick Pennisi's forehead |
| League Debut | 2017 |
| League Format | 3-on-3 basketball with 12 teams |
| League Founders | Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz |
| League Stream | Big3tv, CBS, DAZN, Vyre Network, YouTube, X account, LosPollosTV |
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What You'll Learn
William McDonald's career highlights
William McDonald, born on October 5, 1979, is a former American professional basketball player. He graduated from the University of South Florida. One of the highlights of his career was in 2019 when he was drafted 5th overall in the BIG3 draft by the Ball Hogs. BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league consists of 12 teams with rosters including former NBA players and international players. In the 2019 season, McDonald ranked fourth in scoring and second in rebounding among all players in the league.
Another notable moment in McDonald's career was his ejection from a game in March 2012 while playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters. During an 80–94 loss to Barako Bull Energy, McDonald threw the ball at Mick Pennisi's forehead, resulting in his ejection. The incident gained attention on YouTube due to Pennisi's exaggerated reaction, dubbed the "delayed flop."
Prior to his BIG3 career, McDonald participated in the 2018 edition of The Basketball Tournament with Overseas Elite. Over four games, he averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting at 67 percent. Overseas Elite advanced to the championship game, where they defeated Eberlein Drive with a final score of 70-58.
William McDonald's career in the BIG3 league and other tournaments showcases his dedication and skill in the sport of basketball, with notable achievements and impactful moments along the way.
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BIG3 league format
BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league consists of 12 teams with rosters that include former NBA players and international players. The BIG3 league format deviates from the official FIBA rules of 3-on-3 basketball.
The BIG3 season typically runs from mid-June through to the beginning of August, followed by a two-week postseason consisting of semifinal and championship rounds. Each team plays eight regular-season games. The BIG3 season culminates in a title game, after which an All-Star weekend is held.
To win a BIG3 game, a team must score 50 points, with a minimum difference of two points between the teams. There is no jump ball to start the game; instead, the home team, determined by a 4-point shootout before the game, simply inbounds the ball. The BIG3 features a 14-second shot clock and a unique 4-point shot from any of the three circles on the court, all 30 feet away from the basket. While there are fouls in the BIG3, players do not foul out after a sixth personal foul. Instead, after the fifth team foul in each half, the opponents are awarded two free throws and possession of the ball.
The BIG3 held its inaugural season in 2017, with Trilogy defeating the 3 Headed Monsters 51-46 in the championship game. The league's Most Valuable Player award was won by 3 Headed Monsters forward Rashard Lewis. In 2018, the Power defeated 3's Company 51-43 to become the league's second champions, with Power's Corey Maggette awarded MVP. The BIG3 did not hold a competition in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned for the 2021 season.
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BIG3 awards
BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by the hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league, which debuted in 2017, features 12 teams with rosters that include former NBA players and international players. The BIG3 takes place during the NBA offseason.
The BIG3 awards several categories of awards to players and coaches, with the results announced shortly before the championship game. The award categories include Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year, 4th Man, and Defensive Player of the Year.
In 2017, the inaugural BIG3 Championship game was won by Trilogy, who completed a perfect 10-0 season. The league's Most Valuable Player award was given to 3 Headed Monsters forward Rashard Lewis, while Trilogy took home several other awards, including Defensive Player of the Year for James White and Coach of the Year for Rick Mahorn.
The following year, in 2018, the Power defeated 3's Company 51-43 to become league champions. Power's Corey Maggette was named MVP and Captain of the Year, while Nancy Lieberman was awarded Coach of the Year.
In 2019, the Triplets were awarded the BIG3 championship trophy. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the league returned in 2021 with games held in Las Vegas, Dallas, Milwaukee, and Chicago. The Trilogy won their second and third championship trophies in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The 2022 BIG3 season saw mid-season awards recognition for players like J-Rich, who was considered the league's most valuable player at that point, and Gerald Green, who was averaging 23.3 points per game.
In 2023, the Enemies were awarded the BIG3 championship trophy, and Michael Beasley won the Too Hard to Guard Award, voted for by BIG3 coaches and players.
The most recent BIG3 championship, in 2024, was won by Bivouac.
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BIG3's Adidas partnership
BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league, which debuted in 2017, features 12 teams with rosters that include former NBA players and international players.
In 2018, BIG3 announced a three-year partnership with Adidas, making Adidas the official outfitter of the league and its jersey provider. As part of the deal, Adidas committed to supporting BIG3's grassroots and community initiatives. The partnership also included the development of new licensed products for fans, such as hoodies, t-shirts, and uniforms.
The two organizations also collaborated on the Young3 initiative, a 3-on-3 youth basketball program aimed at engaging young audiences and developing their skills. Young3 hosted tournaments and skills clinics in multiple cities, with a focus on improving community court infrastructure.
The BIG3 and Adidas partnership brought together a league known for its innovation and excitement with a brand that shares its commitment to creativity and excellence. This collaboration aimed to propel the sport of 3-on-3 basketball and enhance the experience for both fans and players.
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BIG3's streaming services
BIG3 is a professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. Games are available to stream on BIG3.com and Paramount Plus. For example, in 2023, all six BIG3 games took place on a Saturday, with the first game being streamed on CBS and the final three games streamed on BIG3.com. Similarly, in 2022, games were available to watch on Paramount Plus.
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Frequently asked questions
BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league consists of 12 teams with rosters including former NBA players and international players. The BIG3 takes place during the NBA offseason.
William McDonald is an American former professional basketball player. He graduated from the University of South Florida and was drafted 5th overall in the 2019 BIG3 draft by the Ball Hogs.
The McDonald's All-American Game is an annual showcase for the top high-school basketball talent in the country. It has been running for almost five decades and is considered one of the most prestigious honors in high school basketball.
Some notable BIG3 players include Clyde Drexler, who became a commissioner in 2018, and Corey Maggette, who was awarded MVP and Captain of the Year in 2018. Will McDonald also participated in the BIG3, being drafted 5th overall in 2019.
