Photo: Nic Fardella ~ WJR
DETROIT, June 10, 2025 ~ The Detroit Amps are the newest team in town and one of eight expansion franchises in Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league.
Detroit native and NBA Top 75 honoree George Gervin will coach the Amps in their inaugural season. Three-time Big3 MVP and former seven-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson headlines the roster. Jeremy Pargo, the league’s all-time leader in 4-point shots, will serve as team captain. Former Kansas Jayhawk and 2008 NCAA Champion Darnell Jackson will also start for the Amps.
“We wouldn’t do this if we weren’t 100% committed to bringing not only a heck of a team but a championship team-a championship-level team—to this city,” Detroit Amps co-owner T.J. Lang said.
PODCAST:
June 11, 2025 ~ George Gervin, head coach of the Detroit Amps of the Big3 basketball league, chats with “Opportunity Detroit” about the inaugural season for the Amps and what it means for the city of Detroit and the Big 3.
The Big3 offers a twist on traditional NBA basketball with its 3-on-3, half-court format. The league features a 4-point shot circle in addition to the standard 3-point line. Two unique rules set the Big3 apart: there are no defensive three-second violations, and the “Bring the Fire” rule allows teams to challenge a foul once per half with a one-on-one play instead of a replay review.
Detroit opens its season against the Chicago Triplets on June 14 at 3 p.m. in Chicago. The Amps’ home opener is scheduled for July 20 at Little Caesars Arena against the DMV Trilogy.
Big3 games are broadcast on CBS and Vice Sports.
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