Ice Cube: FIBA Won't Allow BIG3 vs. Netherlands 3x3 Challenge After 2024 Olympics

BIG3 co-founders Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz are alleging that FIBA is standing in the way of a game that would pit the league against the Netherlands team that won gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Kwatinetz said FIBA has threatened to expel the Netherlands from the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup if they were to play a friendly against the BIG3.

Ice Cube told CBS Sports (via Ballislife.com) the Dutch "accepted the challenge" but that "FIBA is scared of the BIG3."

Jan Driessen, Dimeo van der Horst, Arvin Slagter and Worthy de Jong combined to bring home gold for the Netherlands in Paris. They took down host country France in the final of the men's tournament. Their 21-6 blowout of the United States also sent Team USA packing in pool play.

While Ice Cube and Kwatinetz want to present FIBA as running scared, it could come down to simple logistics.

BIG3 challenged the Netherlands to a contest this Sunday during its All-Star weekend:

That's mere days away from when the 3x3 Europe Cup tips off in Vienna, Austria. The event begins Aug. 22 and a champion will be crowned on Aug. 25.

The Netherlands is seeded third in the men's draw, and all but one member of the Dutch squad that competed in Paris will be making the trip. Julian Jaring replaces Van Der Horst.

Even if the BIG3 was prepared to foot the travel bill, getting the Netherlands quartet to and from Boston presented some scheduling challenges. FIBA was also assuming all of the risk with seemingly little benefit since having one of Driessen, Van Der Horst, Slagter or De Jong get injured would be a disaster.

This isn't the first time BIG3 has had a bone to pick with FIBA. In 2019, it alleged that 3x3 legend Dušan Bulut was being pressured to withdraw from joining the league or jeopardize his eligibility for the Tokyo Olympics. Bulut eventually made his BIG3 debut in 2021.