The third season of the BIG3 league debuts on Saturday at the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit. This will be the first of many stops over the promotion's two-month sprint, before the championship is determined in Los Angeles on September 1st. Since its inception, the league has improved each year and is one of the main attractions on the summer hoops circuit. While Steph, Kawhi, and LeBron are in offseason mode, a plethora of former NBA All-Stars and other notable hoopers are lacing up their kicks to show they still have some left in the tank.
As season three prepares to get underway, here are five things to look forward to seeing as the action unfolds.
The Growth of the League
It’s evident that co-founders Jeff Kwatinetz and entertainment mogul Ice Cube are building something special, and it's only getting bigger. Due to high demand, the league's travel will expand to 18 cities, where they only played in 10 in previous seasons. One particular innovation of note the league is in the second season of permitting the usage of cannabidiol (CBD), which is promoted instead of the use of pain pills. This season, the league has signed cbdMD as a marketing and exclusive jersey patch sponsor. What will come next? Expanded apparel options? Betting lines provided by Real Bookie per head betting site is an option. What about an All-Star game or exhibition challenge? The marketing and gambling possibilities are endless, and who better than Ice Cube to be the one to figure it all out.
Will FIBA Let Dusan Play?
He’s known as the Serbian Michael Jordan, but the chances are high that we won’t be able to see Dusan Domovic Bulut suit up in the BIG3. After being drafted by Rick Barry’s Ballhogs, FIBA threatened sanctions if he played in the league. If he went forward with playing in the league, he would receive a $10,000 fine and a 24-month ban from any FIBA contest. #FreeDusan #LetDusanPlay
Speaking of FIBA, we have to mention that World Cup had just started! Here's a guide for you of how to watch it in an easiest way: https://vpnpro.com/guides-and-tutorials/how-to-watch-fiba-basketball-world-cup/
The Enemies
The Enemies enter the season as the paper champions. The roster has a perfect blend of shooting, playmaking, size and leadership. Led by Gilbert Arenas and Lamar Odom, the expectations are high for the new ball club. While Arenas and Odom are the main attractions, former first-round pick Royce White could be the ex-factor that helps aid them to a title.
New Faces
There will be plenty of new faces joining the league this summer, most notably former NBA All-Stars such as Arenas and Joe Johnson. Recently retired former NBA champion Jason Terry will also be joining the fray.
There is a litany of new faces that will take part in the BIG3. Some are well-known NBA players, and others are just as popular on a lesser scale. Take a look at some notable names below:
- Will Bynum
- Josh Smith
- Greg Oden
- Kendrick Perkins
- Donte Greene
- Mario Chalmers
- Shannon Brown
- Al Jefferson
- Carlos Arroyo
- Frank “Nitty” Sessions
- Jason Richardson
Along with the addition of new players, there are four new teams – Aliens, Bivouac, Enemies and Triplets – expanding the number of teams to twelve.
Will Power Repeat?
Trilogy won the inaugural championship and Power took the title in year two. Power has a deep roster and looks primed and ready to defend their title. League MVP Corey Maggette led the team to a 9-1 record last season. In addition to having Maggette, Cuttino Mobley (who is still a walking scoring machine), Quentin Richardson, Glen “Big Baby” Davis, Chris “Birdman” Andersen, Mychal Thompson, and Ryan Gomes round out the roster. They have the perfect recipe to be the first repeat champion in league history. Let’s see if head coach Nancy Lieberman can turn that dream into a reality.
Can Lisa Leslie Lead the Triplets to a Title?
Lisa Leslie is looking to become the second successful female coach to win a BIG3 championship. Leslie has an uphill battle, but has a shot with Joe Johnson, Al Jefferson and Jannero Pargo being the most experienced players on her roster. The 3-on-3 format is right up Johnson's and Jefferson's alley given their style of play. That said, don't be surprised if the Triplets shock the world.