The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas will host a new sports tourism initiative this weekend as the BIG3 concludes its fourth season of professional 3-on-3 basketball.

The BIG3 will stage its semifinals on August 28, followed by the championship and consolation games on September 4 at the Atlantis resort’s Imperial Arena. All playoff games will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount Plus.

The BIG3 was founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league consists of 12 teams whose rosters include both former NBA players and international players.

“Atlantis is the perfect backdrop for the 2021 playoffs for both players and fans – a slew of games that is sure to be an electrifying culmination of fast-paced, action-packed, FIREBALL3,” said BIG3 commissioner Clyde Drexler in a press release.

“We always have the most competitive games, and now it’s going to be even more fierce with a week in the Bahamas on the line!”

In the first of two semifinals, Triplets (6-2) will take on 3 Headed Monsters (6-2) at 4pm.

Led by the league’s most dominant player, former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson, Triplets look to repeat as league champions.

Johnson led the league in scoring (22.8 points per game), was third in rebounding (10.4 rebounds per game), second in assists (3.6 assists per game) and third in steals (1.3 steals per game).

Coached by Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie, the team returns its entire roster from its 2019 championship campaign which includes former NBA All-Star Al Jefferson, Jannero Pargo and Alan Anderson.

The only team to remain fully intact since 2017, 3 Headed Monsters has advanced to the playoffs in every season of BIG3 basketball but have yet to claim an elusive championship title.

Coached by Hall of Famer Gary Payton, the roster is full of former NBA talent, including co-captain Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, former NBA-All Star Rashard Lewis, and the BIG3’s leading rebounder, Reggie Evans.

The second semifinal will feature Tri-State (6-2) versus Trilogy (5-3) at 5pm.

Tri State’s roster is headlined by co-captains and a pair of former NBA Slam Dunk Contest winners - Jason Richardson and Nate Robinson. The team is also coached by Hall of Famer Julius Erving for the fourth consecutive season.

Tri-State missed the 2019 playoffs after a 4-4 record and added Larry Sanders, who became one of the league’s best defenders and rebounders in 2021.

Trilogy features NBA veteran Jarrett Jack, who spent last season with the G-League Ignite, 14-year pro Amir Johnson and James White.

Stephen Jackson made a successful transition from BIG3 champion in 2017 with the Killer 3s to head coach of Trilogy this season and seeks his first title on the sidelines.

The winners will advance to the championship game on September 4.

Atlantis has hosted NCAA basketball for nearly a decade with Complete Sports Management’s Battle 4 Atlantis brand, FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers, and Miami Heat training camp. The Big3 playoffs will mark the first professional game hosted at the venue.

“We are thrilled to welcome the BIG3 to The Bahamas for its final two weeks of the season,” said Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of Atlantis, Paradise Island.

“The BIG3 is known for bringing top-of-the-line talent and entertainment to every venue, and it’s an honour to welcome them to the world’s most remarkable resort come August. The Bahamas is ready to Bring the Fire.”

A limited supply of complimentary tickets will be available at the Atlantis Box Office one hour prior to the tipoff of the first semifinal. Spectators must adhere to Atlantis resort’s COVID-19 protocol (full vaccination or a negative rapid antigen test) to attend games.