BIG3 draft scheduled for April 12th, Pistons well-represented

The 2018 BIG3 draft is set to take place on Apr. 12, and will mark the beginning of the 3-on-3 basketball league’s second season.  A number of former Pistons are expected to participate.

This year’s BIG3 draft will occur on Apr. 12, according to a tweet sent out by Ice Cube on Monday afternoon.  FS1 will broadcast the live event.

The BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league for former NBA players.  It was created by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in January 2017.  After a successful first season, the strictly halfcourt-oriented association is back for 2018.

The rules emulate a playground-style of basketball.  First team to 50 wins, and of course, you have to win by two. Hand-checking is also allowed.  And then there’s the ability to make a 4-pointer from three different spots.

From Allen Iverson to Greg Oden, the field of players is quite diverse in terms of age, skill level, and prior success.

A number of legendary Detroit Pistons participated in the inaugural campaign.  Chauncey Billups served as captain for the Killer Bs, and Rick Mahorn earned Coach of the Year honors for leading team Trilogy to the championship.

Lesser known Pistons such as the Junkyard Dog (Jerome Williams) and Kwame Brown have also played in the BIG3.

The league will make it’s first trip to Detroit this summer during Week 4 of the season.  They’ll arrive at Little Caesars Arena on July 13.  Four back-to-back games will take place on that lone day.

Oliver Maroney of Uproxx recently published his BIG3 Mock Draft.  These are simply his own projections.  But there are plenty of noteworthy names to keep an eye on.

Other former Pistons who are expected to be chosen include guards Will Bynum and Smush Parker.

Next: Ku’s Ball Room: Can this Pistons core win?

The BIG3 will also hold a draft combine on Apr. 11.  Week 1 tips off on June 22 in Houston.