The BIG3 is all set to launch its eighth season, and this year’s buzz feels different. The league, already backed by names like Michael Beasley, Joe Johnson, and Gilbert Arenas, has attracted even more star power. Players like Mario Chalmers and Kendrick Perkins have kept things entertaining over the years. Adding to the hype, BIG3 recently locked in a major partnership with Starter. With customized uniforms and merch now in play, the league is blending streetwear with half-court heat like never before. Just last month, Dwight Howard joined the party, signing on with the LA Riots as a Player-Captain. Howard called the move a dream, especially after entering the Hall of Fame. “I can’t wait to join the LA Riot and try to bring another championship to the city of LA,” he said. His goal?

Help the BIG3 grow globally while still chasing championships. He’ll be coached by Nick Young and will debut at the Allstate Arena on June 14. And with the addition of the latest name, it seems he might just be able to achieve his goal. A new name has joined the LA Riot: Jeff Teague! Recently, a video surfaced on Instagram, where team coach Nick Young and Howard were interviewed right after the pick. The moment quickly turned into comedy when Young and Howard joked about both Teague and Shedeur Sanders being picked in the fifth round.

“Um, little Shedeur. I feel bad for Shedeur. I mean, Jeff, I felt bad for Jeff, not Shedeur,” Young said, teasing the mix-up with a smirk. He added, “It’s Hollywood, baby. Rise, you know. Um, and I feel like he’ll be a good asset for us for sure.” Howard chimed in too, saying, “Uh, Shedeur—I’m sorry, Jeff—is, um, Jeff is an amazing player, first of all. Um, a great scorer, great point guard.” Jokes aside, this draft is great for the team, and things are already looking better for LA now.

Ice Cube, the league’s founder, didn’t hold back praise either. “That’s a dynamic pick and roll right there,” he said after Teague got picked. Ice highlighted Teague’s poise, quickness, and ability to create plays. “I’m surprised he slipped this far in the draft, but he’s a great player,” he added, clearly hyped. “He can get to the paint. He can create for others. Uh, he can defend.” It’s surprising that Teague got picked that late, but it’s more than welcome news for LA.

Ice Cube’s BIG3 brings championship weekend to Orlando with high hopes for Dwight Howard’s finals run

The BIG3 is making a big move this summer by hosting its championship weekend in Orlando for the first time. Ice Cube said it’s only fitting, especially with Dwight Howard, a Magic Hall of Famer, suiting up for the LA Riot. Cube sees this as poetic, imagining Howard’s potential last game played in the city where he made his mark. “I just think that’s pretty poetic,” He claimed.

Ice Cube explained the choice as a reward for teams reaching the finals and players making the All-Star game. “We’ve been to other places, from the Bahamas to London, and what we’ve noticed is that teams that make it always want to bring their families to see them play in the championship game. We felt like Orlando is a great place for players to be able to do that,” He added. Cube pointed out that players want to bring their families, making this setting ideal. The BIG3’s season will run from June to August, with a $1 million bonus for the championship contenders.

With a star-studded lineup including Michael Beasley and Joe Johnson, the league’s city-based teams are focused on winning. LA Riot coach Nick Young is confident his squad is built for success. “We’ve been to—we’re always going to go to the big dance,” Young said, “Everybody’s coming back in shape, we added, you know, one of the most dominant players that play this game—big, big three NBA anywhere he plays. One of the best centers. So, um, yeah, Hall of Famer.”

He added, “All the lights going to be on us, you know. Uh, you got myself, you know. Um, I just look good winning.” With the stage set in Orlando, all eyes will be on the BIG3’s thrilling finish and Howard’s quest to cap off his career with glory.