Allen Iverson Will Play and Coach in Ice Cube’s New Basketball League

Word broke late last month that Ice Cube would be co-founding a three-on-three basketball league for retired NBA players called BIG3, with Jason Williams, Rashard Lewis, Jermaine O’Neal and more slated to participate. “I thought of this concept as a fan who got sick of seeing his heroes retire and not play anymore,” Cube told The Vertical. “A lot of these guys can still play once they retire – just not the back-to-backs or four games in five nights.”

Now, more details have come out regarding the league, as Yahoo! Sports reports that Allen Iverson has signed on to be one of eight player-coaches in the league. A news conference formally announcing the designation is expected to take place in New York today (Jan. 11). Iverson had a storied NBA career that included going No. 1 overall in the 1996 draft, winning the league MVP award in 2001, leading the league in scoring for four separate seasons and, most recently, being inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in April of last year.

AI’s playing style has largely been characterized by his all-out approach and toughness despite his 6 foot frame. His career as well has been tied to hip-hop culture at large, Jadakiss once rapping in a Rebook commercial for the baller. For more ties between Iverson and the hip-hop world, check the gallery below. Fans of the retired ball player are surely in for a treat once the league gets underway.

Hip-Hop Still Loves Allen Iverson

Subscribe to XXL on