Allen Iverson done coaching in BIG3 basketball league

Alec Lewis
Hall of Fame guard Allen Iverson is stepping away from coaching in the BIG3 basketball league. (Getty Images)
Hall of Fame guard Allen Iverson is stepping away from coaching in the BIG3 basketball league. (Getty Images)

The BIG3 announced Wednesday that Hall of Fame guard Allen Iverson is stepping away from coaching in the league due to scheduling conflicts.

“Iverson played a significant role in the launch of the BIG3,” a release sent by BIG3 said, “and while he will shift focus to his own projects this summer, he remains very supportive of the league.”

Not only did Iverson play a pivotal role in the launch of the three-on-three basketball league, but he also coached and played for the 3’s Company team boasting former NBA’ers Baron Davis, Drew Gooden and others. The BIG3 has already settled on a replacement for Iverson in five-time NBA Champion and 2000’s WNBA coach of the year Michael Cooper.

Iverson posted an Instagram photo with a statement about his departure from the league. In it, he maintained his support for league co-founder and co-CEO Ice Cube.

“When my friend and idol, Ice Cube, asked me to get involved in helping him, I did not hesitate,” Iverson wrote, “and (I) would do it all again in at a moment’s notice.”

Due to scheduling conflicts, I have informed the @thebig3 that I will not coach this year and they support me in this decision. However, do know that this does not end my association or support of the league and I will attend games this season whenever able. I wish the league continued success. I encourage my fans to continue to support the Big 3 as I will. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Big 3 Family in its inaugural season. When my friend and idol, Ice Cube asked me to get involved in helping him I did not hesitate and would do it all again in at a moment’s notice. I wish the league the players, coaches and fans continued success this and every season that follows.

A post shared by Allen Iverson (@theofficialai3) on Jun 6, 2018 at 1:23pm PDT

The BIG3’s 10-week season tips off June 22 in Houston. It will make trips to Chicago, Oakland, Detroit, Miami, Toronto, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas and Brooklyn.

Cooper, who won five NBA championships alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, joins the league’s seven other coaches: Rick Barry, Rick Mahorn, Gary Payton, Nancy Lieberman, George Gervin, Charles Oakley and Julius Erving.

Iverson wrote that his stepping away from coaching does not end his association with the league.

“I encourage my fans to continue to support the BIG3 as I will,” Iverson added.