Those who thought a professional 3-on-3 basketball league would never see the light of day, are being forced to look at what’s possible when we dare to dream big. That’s right! Thanks to rapper-actorproducer ‘Ice Cube‘, and his endless arsenal of ingenuity, summer Monday nights will soon be riddled with Screen Away Shots, Point Give and Go, and Cross Over moves. No, No, No, Cube’s not the one suiting up to play B-ball (at least not that we’ve been made aware). Instead, he has enlisted the help of former NBA basketball players (via half-court draft), to bring excitement and fan support to the new ‘BIG3’ basketball league, commissioned by Roger Mason Jr. This unique league consists of retired players who have decided it’s time to step back onto the pine, to prove they ‘still’ got game. And unlike the NBA, this league is operated and managed solely by the players. No outsiders. No politics. No nonsense. Just highly competitive basketball played hard with ‘grown-man’ intensity.

What’s probably more amazing than Ice Cube’s BIG3 Baller Alert, is the broadcasting partnership between ‘Fox Sports’ and the “Boyz N The Hood” actor-producer. Yes. FOX! No, we’re not mistaken, it’s confirmed. The always professional “Ride Along” star takes matters of enterprise seriously, and it shows in the recent deal inked with the sportscasting division of 21st Century Fox. With his elevated business IQ, Cube landed a broadcasting agreement with the network entity – to ensure adequate coverage is provided for veteran players who deserve nothing but the best. For 10 straight weeks FS1/Fox will cover Point, Shooter, and Post Position strategies as they unfold (not to mention player trash-talk, and hilarious ‘in-your-face’ commentary).

Think that’s something; well, there’s more! theTZelement has learned – Cube set the game in motion with a unique set of rules for fans to enjoy. The ‘BIG3’ is the first American pro-basketball league that allows a single 4-point shot! In addition to the long distance hoops we’re about to enjoy, each game will kick off with a Do-or-Die shot (curious to see what that looks like… you’ll have to tune in to Fox Sports|FS1 to watch).

So, by now you’re probably itching to know who’s on the roster, right? Well, it comes as no surprise to see Ice Cube went all out for this one. He has drafted some of the best blowout bosses to ever canvas the court: Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin, Bonzi Wells, Chauncey Billups (ESPN’s newest NBA Countdown Analyst), Mike Bibby, Jason “White Chocolate” Williams, Rashard Lewis, and Jermaine O’Neil, just to name a few. And that’s not all, the league has also attracted an ultra-impressive 8-team coaching lineup as well: 3’s Company (Player/Coach: Allen Iverson), Tri-State (Coach: Julius “Dr. J” Erving), Ball Hogs (Coach: Rick Barry), Trilogy (Coach: Rick Mahorn), Ghost Ballers (Coach: George Gervin), Killer 3’s (Coach: Charles Oakley), Power (Coach: Clyde Drexler), 3 Headed Monsters (Coach: Gary Payton). With elite coaching from these legendary ballers, all that’s left to tell you is this … the first team to score 60 points, wins.

If you’re like the rest of us, you’re ready to see the lights turn up as the half-court action goes down. The inaugural ‘BIG3’ basketball season starts June 25th at the Barclays Center – Brooklyn, New York (for ticket information visit www.big3.com). Each game will be broadcast on FS1/Fox each Monday following the preceding live game performance (check local listings for air times).

As theTZelement celebrates the launch of this groundbreaking opportunity for Ice Cube, we encourage our readers to design, drive, and dominate their own lanes, to realize the heightened sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that awaits. We wish Cube much continued success, and bid each baller warm wishes for an exciting inaugural season. As the ‘BIG3’ game announcers prepare to call the names of each court-hungry contestant, our team is set to honor these December members with the immortal words of sportscaster ‘Stuart Scott’ (Stu, we know you’re watching, this one’s for you). BOOYAH!