BIG3 Hoops Roll Into Las Vegas, Eclipsed By Hyped Boxing Bout
By ALAN SNEL
They played only a few hours before the big “Money Fight” Saturday and the former NBAers playing in Ice Cube’s 3-on-3 basketball tourney provided an entertaining product for hoops insiders to enjoy.
The Big3 rolled into Las Vegas this weekend and its footprint in the Sin City sports scene would have been much bigger if not for boxing champion Floyd Mayweather and UFC star and champ Conor McGregor picking Aug. 26 for their so-called “fight-of-the-century” spectacle at T-Mobile Arena.
The half-court, first-to-50-points set-up provided the right space and the right length of time to highlight former NBA players, such as Rashard Lewis and Kwame Brown of the 3 Headed Monsters, coached by Hall-of-Famer Gary Payton. On Saturday afternoon, they lost to Trilogy, which won the championship to cap an 10-0 season with former NBA players Al Harrington, Kenyon Martin and Rashad McCants. Former “Bad Boy” Pistons enforcer Rick Mahorn was their coach.
Cube, the rapper and actor, gave the 3-on-3 competition instant credibility and the former NBA players offered instant content for FOX Sports, which broadcast the title game.
When Cube walked on to the half court at MGM Grand Garden Arena, he was mobbed and fans broke out their smart phones to snap photos.
The relaxed atmosphere with the constant hip-hop music during the games created a fun, chill competition setting.
Let’s hope the Big3 doesn’t get too serious and keeps it light and fun.
Contact LVSportsBiz.com founder/writer Alan Snel at asnel@LVSportsBiz.com
