BIG3 to host youth 3-on-3 tournaments this season; one scheduled for Chicago

As part of a new initiative this season, the BIG3 will conduct 3-on-3 tournaments and skill clinics for youth in the cities the league is scheduled to play in.

The Young3 will be held on Thursdays in 10 cities where the BIG3 will play on Friday nights. It’s the second season for the 3-on-3 league of former NBA players co-founded by entertainer Ice Cube.

A Young3 tournament and skills clinic is scheduled to be played in Chicago on June 28 at James Jordan Child Care Center, which is located near the United Center at 2102 W. Monroe St. People interested in attending can register for the clinics and tournaments online.

The initiative, announced Tuesday, was developed through the league’s partnership with Adidas, which will become the league’s official outfitter this season. Together they also will invest in the improvement of community courts with the goal of growing the popularity of 3-on-3 basketball, which will debut in the Olympics in 2020.

Former NBA player Jerome Williams, who played in the BIG3’s inaugural season, will be the Young3 president.

Clinics will be open to children ages 7-14 and tournaments will be held in four age groups: 9U, 11U, 12U and 14U. They will follow most of the BIG3’s rules, including the use of the league’s 4-point shot.

The season begins June 22 in Houston.

Contributing: Madeline Kenney