For some time 3 on 3 basketball has been a rapidly growing sport internationally. FIBA (the governing body of international basketball) would like to see the sport emerge as a complement to the traditional 5 on 5 game of basketball similar to beach volleyball. As fans, most of us are familiar with the cement battleground half court setting. International play currently is a little bit different. It is a half court game up to 21 with a cap of 10 minutes per game. Misses have to be taken back and cleared behind the 3-point line and points are counted in 1s and 2s.
The Associated Press reports that for the first time, the world as a whole will probably be exposed to this growing arm of the sport in the upcoming 2020 Olympics.
Next Friday the votes will tally up as the Olympic Committee continues its tradition of evaluating and adjusting their lineup of events every 4 years.
The game is designed to speed up the pace of the typical 48- minute long NBA game to make it more attractive to other audiences. There is a 12-second shot clock and once the ball is cleared there does not have to be a check ball. Play immediately begins after a change of possession and a clear. Furthermore, there are no coaches in this format so the true playground pickup experience is embraced.
Before we all get ahead of ourselves and look forward to LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry representing Team USA, remember that the 5 on 5 format will still exist and will continue to represent the ultimate international experience for our professionals. The Current USA roster consists of current D-Leaguers Quinton Chievous, Myke Henry, Alfonzo McKinnie, and Jonathan Octeus.
With this change coming in addition to Ice Cube’s Big 3 summer basketball league the 3 on 3 basketball hype continues to gain momentum. Basketball has become a global phenomenon and has become increasingly accessible to people all around the world. If the 3 on 3 format can catch on this will provide more opportunities for athletes to continue their careers as well as more opportunities for the sport, in general, to catch on with the masses. You can never have enough basketball.
