Professional 3-on-3 basketball is extremely popular thanks to the BIG3.
BIG3 Starts Second Season
The BIG3 League began its second season in Houston with BIG3 Opening Night, which included four exciting games in front of 16,341 at Toyota Center.
Lots of familiar names from the NBA are a part of this league such as Alief Elsik High School’s own Rashard Lewis of Houston and Port Arthur native Stephen Jackson. Houston’s very own Clyde Drexler is the league’s commissioner.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner recognized Drexler on his 56th birthday with a birthday cake and naming June 22 as “Clyde Drexler Day” in Houston.
One of the goals for the new commissioner is to continue to make sure the fans and player experience is at a high level.
“The professional game of 3-on-3 is the best in the world. The Big3 League is the best there is in 3-on-3. So to continue to foster that entertainment value, to make sure our players have the best experience as they display their skills,” Drexler said.
Game one saw Mahmond Abdul-Rauf hitting the game winner for 3 Headed Monsters as they defeated Ghost Ballers 50-46.
Known for his defense during his playing days, Monsters coach Gary Payton said defense was the key for them in the win.
“Our play on defense was a big key for is,” Payton said.
He also said the focus was to get back to the playoffs and finish the deal, as the Monsters lost in the championship game last season.
“Our focus is to get to the playoffs and to win the championship.”
Payton’s old school style brings back memories as the kids can see a more competitive brand of basketball.
In game two, 3’s Company were led by Andre Emmett, Jason Maxiell and Drew Gooden as their front line dominated Killer 3’s and would lead 26-7 at halftime.
Stephen Jackson, Metta World Peace, and Alan Anderson led Killer 3’s, and Anderson’s 3 pointer would get Killer 3’s to within 13 at 34-21 in the second half.
However, Baron Davis for 3’s Company would score the final 10 points to seal the win.
Game three saw a defensive struggle to begin between the Ball Hogs and Power.
Nancy Lieberman, who is the first female to coach men on a professional level, coaches Power.
Glen Davis showed his muscle in the first half scoring 10 points along with four points from Corey Magette and the Power would take the lead going into halftime.
DeShawn Stevenson would connect on three buckets in the first half that would stop a Power run and despite a three-pointer by Brian Scalabrine, the Power would still lead by two, 26-24 at halftime.
The Power would get 3 pointers by Quinton Richardson and Corey Maggette and would cruise to a 51-31 win.
In the final game of the evening, Triology was the defending champions and were undefeated last season, but they came into their matchup against Tri-State a little flat.
Triology, coached by former Detroit Pistons bad boy Rick Mahon trailed 27-17 at the half to Tri-State.
David Hawkins led Tri-State with 16 points and Jermaine O’Neal finished with 10 points.
But it was crowd favorite Nate Robinson, who would sink the 3-pointer to win it for Tri-State.
Tri-State coach Julius Erving said it was the players who won the game.
“You put the game in the players hands. We won the game because it was in our players hands.” Erving said.
Week two of the season continues as they head to the “Windy City” next weekend at the United Center.
