Around the beginning of June, the International Olympic Committee had officially announced the new 3-on-3 basketball game for the 2020 Olympics.
The 3-on-3 game was one of the 16 newly added games for the 2020 Olympics and it hasn't been considered yet if professional athletes from the NBA and other countries are willing to compete.
With the announcement of this new game changer, a 3-on-3 basketball league has occurred on the 25th of June. The league was founded by the iconic rapper and actor, Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kawtinetz. It entails eight teams that consist of former NBA players such as Allen Iverson and Stephen Jackson.
Of course, the concept is way different than a regular 5-on-5 basketball game. According to the Big 3 league rules, the game occurs on one side of the court and all six players shoot at one basket.
Just like a regular 5-on-5 game, the standard two and three point shot apply. The only thing different is that an exclusive four-point shot is added to the court, in which three "4 point circles" are planted outside of the three-point line, and it only applies if any part of the foot touches the circle.
There is another rule that explains how an additional free throw can be taken if the shooter is fouled while making their shot and it specifies where they would make their free throw on the court:
-two point attempt: shot from the free throw line
-three point attempt: shot from the top of the three-point line
-four point attempt: shot from the four-point circle.
Every personal foul will count as a team foul but no one will be fouled out. The team is on the bonus on and after the fifth foul. After a non-shooting foul attempt, the player gets two shots.
How does one team win? The game is over when one team reaches 60 points but they need to win at the very least by two. Halftime starts when one team reaches 30 points.
Click here for more on "Rules and the Court."
It hasn't been said if these rules will apply for the 2020 Olympics but it shows a glimpse of how the game will be played and maybe one day become a league for professionals.
After watching the first week of the league, there was nothing but the adrenaline rush of both teams getting in the position of close games. Especially with a league of former NBA players, as it makes things interesting.
The one rule that caught most of my attention was when "hand checking" was allowed. The reason why is because it takes the game to another level of players using their hands. The only hard part is that referees won't know how high the standards are for hand checking. With this league becoming a trend, I look forward to seeing what comes next for this game and I hope these kinds of rules also apply for the 2020 Olympics.
