DETROIT – The Detroit Amplifiers, the city’s new professional 3-on-3 basketball franchise in the BIG3, are set to hold their final week of training camp.
Ahead of the season opener, the Amps held an introductory press conference, marking the first time a 3-on-3 team came together in Detroit.
The event culminated in a press conference on Tuesday, June 10, during which the players and coaches were introduced to the community.
The press conference featured key figures from the team, including head coach George “The Iceman” Gervin, Joe Johnson, members of the ownership group, city officials, and VIPs.
During the introductory press conference, Johnson expressed his excitement about returning to the Detroit basketball scene with the Amplifiers in the BIG3.
Johnson, a seven-time all-star, shared his enthusiasm for the community and the Detroit Amplifiers’ commitment to bringing intensity and winning basketball to the city.
“Detroit basketball, we back, baby,” said Johnson. “I played against the Pistons a number of times. It’s great to be a part of this community, this city, this town. We’re going to bring a lot of intensity and effort, and winning basketball, playing the right way. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be exciting to watch.”
“We’re probably at the highest point that it’s ever been,” Johnson said. “We’ve learned so much about the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan. I expect it to continue to grow and to continue to get better.”
When discussing the BIG3 league, Johnson emphasized the importance of intensity and effort.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be entertaining. We want you guys to come show love and support,” Johnson said.
Johnson, also known as “Iso Joe” for his ability to take any player one-on-one while scoring throughout his NBA career, will be coached by Gervin, who is not only a Detroit legend but also a basketball legend.
The Iceman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
Gervin also has his No. 44 jersey retired by the San Antonio Spurs and was named to the NBA 50 Greatest Players.
He was also named among the 75 greatest players during the Diamond Jubilee celebration back in 2021.
Having been involved with the BIG3 since its inception, Gervin, who attended Martin Luther King High School, shared insights into the league’s evolution.
“Ice Cube called me and wanted me to be involved, and I’ve been coaching every sense,” said Gervin. “Now we got a new model with four new ownership groups. The talent is getting better, and we’re starting to bring in European guys and younger players.”
The Iceman, who had been a part of the league for eight years, compared the BIG3 to the NBA, noting the differences in gameplay.
“Three-on-three is played half-court. The NBA game is full court,” Gervin said. “When I played, it wasn’t that many Europeans. We were talking about the ’70s and ’80s; now we got a league that’s been pretty much being dominated by Europeans.”
Addressing concerns about the NBA’s emphasis on three-point shooting, he acknowledged that not everyone is pleased but emphasized the entertainment value.
“You can’t please everybody, but it’s entertainment,” Gervin said. “I think they’re going to put that four-point shot in the NBA like we got in the BIG3. The game has grown unbelievably, and I’m still excited about it.”
As for the construction of the BIG3 roster, Gervin explained the strategic advantages of three-on-three play.
“Only three guys are out there, so we don’t have to wear anybody out,” Gervin said. “If somebody gets rolling, we can lead them in, but if they’re struggling, we can bring somebody else in.”
The Iceman concluded by highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the excitement surrounding new talent.
“It’s all about competition. These guys know how to play basketball,” Gervin said. “I think the fans want to see a little bit more physical play.”
The Amps roster consists of captain Jeremy Pargo, co-captains Darnell Jackson, and Iso Joe, along with draft picks Ray Nixon and Shakur Juiston.
Gervin threw out the first pitch on Sunday’s Detroit Tigers matchup vs. the Chicago Cubs before ultimately taking the series 2-1.
Pargo spent three years in the NBA, playing for a total of 86 games with the Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Golden State Warriors.
His dynamic guard play and experience in the National Basketball Association will help the Amps prevail in their inaugural season.
Jackson played a total of 138 games in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings.
Johnson is a seven-time NBA All-Star and a three-time BIG3 Most Valuable Player.
He played 18 seasons for the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and the Houston Rockets.
Johnson was also named All-NBA Third Team, NBA All-Rookie Second Team, Second-Team All-SEC, SEC Rookie of the Year, SEC All-Freshman Team, and Arkansas Mr. Basketball.
Training camp will conclude on June 11, 2025, following their noon practice, before they take on the Chicago Triplets on Saturday, June 14.
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