Hip hop star and BIG3 founder Ice Cube to bring massive showcase to Australia
Hip hop star and BIG3 founder Ice Cube is set to bring a massive showcase to Australian shores in 2025, in a new partnership with the NBL which the rapper says is a ‘dream come true.’
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Another international basketball series is bound for Australian shores in 2025, with hip hop superstar Ice Cube to bring his explosive BIG3 competition to multiple Australian cities this November.
Following previous regular season games in Canada and London, the BIG3 will showcase their high entertainment and unique 3-on-3 game in Australia for the first time, in a new partnership with the NBL.
“A great game, music, culture and a fun attitude,” BIG3 Founder, Ice Cube told Code Sports
“The guys are there to put on a great show and really be themselves.
“We encourage personality, a fun atmosphere.
BIG3 has featured Hall of Fame coaches like George ‘The Iceman’ Gervin and Julius ‘Dr. J’ Irving, with NBA and international basketball legends suiting up across its first seven years.
Current NBA star Jaylen Brown played in 2023 and this year, Adelaide 36ers star import Montrezl Harrell will make his debut, to which Cube says “he’s going to be able to do a lot more.”
“He was telling us that he really enjoyed playing for Adelaide, some of the most fun he’s had playing basketball so we’re lucky to have him.”
Entering its eighth season, the 12 team league plays a 3-on-3 style of game known as FIREBALL3, with unique game features like a four point zone, one shot free throws and the new “bring the fire” coaches challenge.
“Some leagues don’t understand how much culture plays in the finished product. But we understand that, we come from entertainment, we know what people want to see,” the BIG3 founder said.
“These wrinkles (new rules) help us bring a more exciting version of 3 on 3.”
The announcement has firmed the NBL’s plan to stamp itself on the global stage after the confirmation that NBA teams will play in Melbourne this October soon and a possible European tournament held in September.
“This is a dream come true,” Cube said, “this is our vision of growing the league worldwide.
“The BIG3 can be the best league in the world and coming to Australia was part of the plan.
“The NBL is the most credible league in the world along with the NBA.
“When you have a league like the NBL embrace the BIG3, it gives us legitimacy, credibility and we’re going to bring a great exhibition here.”
“We are certainly doing everything we can to bring high level basketball to Australia,” NBL Chief Operating Officer Vince Crivelli said.
“It’s a real privilege for us to participate in a world sport. To bring the basketball world to Australia and also Australia to the basketball world.
“We’re growing the game, rewarding our fans.
The showcase games are expected to take place during November’s FIBA break, with Cube hinting at “a few big” cities to be on the tour run.
In terms of who we can expect to see make the trip to Australia?
“I don’t want to jinx it, but household names, guys just out of the NBA who still want to hoop,” Cube said.
“A few with superstar status.”
For ticket information, click here.
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Originally published as Hip hop star and BIG3 founder Ice Cube to bring massive showcase to Australia
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