With the United States of America being the face of basketball since its ascension in the 1900s, one would infer that they would dominate the Olympic 3v3 scene. However, both Team USA’s Men’s and Women’s 3v3 basketball teams failed to achieve gold medals. The Women’s team secured a bronze medal, but the Men’s team didn’t win a medal at all. Something Legend and creator of BIG 3 League Ice Cube has an issue with. Calling out NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Claiming that Silver and the NBA have blackballed the BIG 3 league in the past. Stating that if the United States of America wants to return to dominance, Silver and the NBA should use his help.
The United States of America has dominated Olympic basketball for decades. Winning five straight gold medals in Men’s 5v5 basketball, and EIGHT straight Gold medals in Women’s 5v5 basketball. The Women’s team eight is the most consecutive gold medals in any Olympic Event. Doing so without dropping a single game in over 30 years. Proving Team USA and the United States have the world’s best talent. True Dominance.
Ice Cube’s Big 3 League has now been around for seven years. Dating back to 2017, and exceeding all previous expectations and doubts surrounding the league before its inaugural season. The Big 3 is mainly comprised of former NBA legends and players, with a few players looking to make a name for themselves. Ultimately being known as the best 3v3 basketball league in America. NBA Legend and current player Draymond Green also has called out Team USA for its performance in 3v3 basketball. Stating that we aren’t sending out our best talent. Ultimately begging the question what is the solution going forward? Who should represent the United States of America? The Big 3, or the NBA?
The Big 3 Has Entered the Chat
Though still basketball, 3v3 basketball is a different game than 5v5. To start there are four fewer players on the court(two on offense and two on defense). Allowing for more space on the court, and since there are five positions on the court in a normal setting, lineup decisions must be made. Despite this, 3v3 basketball most fits the American style of basketball than any other form, as oftentimes American basketball is seen as flashy or entertaining. At least according to NBA and German Men’s player Dennis Shroeder. Allowing players more room to showcase their talents.
Representing the United States were Jimmer Fredette, Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, and Dylan Travis. Headlined by college basketball legend Jimmer Fredette. Making a name for himself shooting deep 3s before it was so popular. Revolutionizing the game. Though Team USA is filled with great basketball players, none of the players listed had lasting NBA careers. The current best league in the world. Each spending multiple years overseas in different locations.
Ice Cube has since challenged the Netherlands Men’s 3v3 basketball, winners of the 2024 Gold medal, team to compete against the Big 3 All-Stars team. Declaring once and for all the “real” world champions. Ice Cube offered the Men’s team more than $150,000. Covering travel and other expenses. According to Ice Cube, The Netherlands have accepted his offer. However, FIBA is is trying to prevent the champions from competing against the Big 3. It’s terrible when politics get in the way. At least in the words of Ice Cube.
Whether we feel this is the right move or not, it can be reasonably inferred that this is a step in the right direction. As the last time Team USA was embarrassed in basketball at the olympic level was 2004. Finishing bronze, and later forming the 2008 Redeem Team. Former NBA player and Co-Host of the “520 Podcast” Jeff Teague believes Team USA needs Big 3 talent. Naming guys such as Joe Johnson and Jordan Crawford as potential candiates. If done right, Ice Cube could potentially start the push for American dominance in the 3v3 setting. The Big 3 being the primary league for 3v3 basketball in the United States. Pushing more players to tryout. Coming together for a gold medal.
USA and Basketball
The United States of America has been the face of basketball for over a century. Its origins date back to Springfield, Massachusetts 1891. The first professional league, the National Basketball League would soon follow in 1898. Later adapting to the National Basketball Association(NBA) that we love today in 1949. Becoming the world’s best basketball league. However, the NBA and basketball were not yet appealing to the world outside of the United States. Not until 1992. When the “Dream Team” headlined by Michael Jordan was formed. Competing in the Barcelona Olympics. Dominating the competition, and showcasing to the world the beautiful game of basketball. Making the game global.
Though the game of basketball is as global as it’s ever been, the “best talent” still resides in the United States. Meaning that there is no excuse for Team USA to not medal. Especially since the game of basketball is relatively new to the outside world. With the abundance of talent in the United States and talent across the NBA, it is shocking to many that the United States did not win. Let alone place. Draymond Green spoke passionately about the topic. Mentioning guys like Jalen Green, Naz Reid, and others as guys who would be perfect to represent the country in the event. Feeling their game perfectly compliments the 3v3 setting. Players that are elite scorers in one-on-one situations, and great shotmakers. Also adding in that it would be a valuable experience for the younger guys in the association.
If done correctly, Team USA’s 3v3 team could potentially be a gateway to the 5v5 team. Being a team for the younger generation and less proven stars. Leaving the more formal version of the game to the seasoned vets and established stars. Who wouldn’t want to win a gold medal and represent their country in the Olympics? To most people it would be a dream come true, and for players falling short of the 5v5 team, another way to showcase their talents. Adding to their resume. Imagine players like Lebron James who already have impressive resumes adding more gold medals with 3v3 basketball. Not only would it add experience, but it would also add to their legacy. Still representing their country, and competing at the highest level.
Who Should Represent Team USA?
The United States is the face of basketball. Something that will not change for a very long time. With that however comes expectations, as Team USA is expected to win gold in basketball every Olympics. The times Team USA have not received gold medals, the following Olympics Team USA sends out their very best. Seen this year with the 2024 “Avengers” avenging the 2023 Team USA FIBA team. Also not medaling.
Since 3v3 Olympic Basketball is a relatively new event, it can be inferred that many just didn’t care enough to tryout. Centering most of their focus to the 5v5 aspect of the game. However, with leagues like Ice Cube’s Big 3, and a growing international play, we could see the 3v3 game rise substantially in the coming years. Making way for new talent, and players whose games didn’t fit the 5v5 setting.
Since the “Dream Team” in 1992, we’ve had a series of teams compete and showcase their dominance. We have the 2008 “Redeem Team.” A team made to redeem the 2004 Men’s Olympic team placing bronze. The 2012 “Dream Team” And the most recent addition, the 2024 “Avengers.” What will the next addition to this list be? Will we see NBA talent, or Big 3 talent? That is the question. All that is known today is that Team USA will be coming for vengeance in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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