Last month, former basketball player Nasir Core took a trip to Las Vegas that he’ll never forget.
While on a Memorial Day weekend vacation to celebrate a friend’s graduation from pharmacy school, Core went to showcase his skills at May 24’s Big 3 Combine, a three-on-three professional basketball league founded by rapper Ice Cube that features past players from the NBA, college ranks, and other pro divisions.
Exhibiting his athleticism and skill to score and defend, Core wowed the audience and eye of Big 3 team, 3’s Company, headlined by 2008 No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick Michael Beasley and two-time NBA champion Mario Chalmers.
Later that day, 3’s Company selected Core 10th overall in the 2024 Big 3 Draft, joining the former NBA players’ team.
“We were at Outback Steakhouse watching the live stream. When the tenth pick came up, and they drafted me first round, I was hella excited,” Core said, reminiscing when he found out he was Big 3 bound.
“I got a couple of shots in at Outback,” Core joked. "It was a good time.”
Core and 3’s Company convened in Miami during the first week of June for the team’s training camp.
It allowed Core to connect with the former NBA players, prepare for the season, and fellowship through their mutual love for basketball.
“I was just trying to absorb as much as possible,” Core said. “Just seeing how they go about their day-to-day training and how they prepare for a day of hooping. It was a great opportunity, and I learned a lot from it.”
Basketball is in Core’s blood.
He played guard at FAMU from 2016 to 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic prematurely ended his college career.
Then, Core went to play professionally in Albania, where he won a championship in 2022 alongside collecting awards such as Finals Most Valuable Player, Guard of the Year, Import Player of the Year, and First-Team All-Albania honors.
Core is often featured on Ballislife and also stars in one-on-one tournaments.
“I feel like I was a late bloomer in basketball. The more I played and the more years I put into it, I’ve been getting better and better every year,” said Core, a two-time FAMU grad.
“When all else fails, I always return to the grind and the work. When God has something set for you, nobody can take it away. When I started winning and getting all these accolades, it was on his timing.
“Stay active, stay in shape because you never know when your opportunity will reveal itself.”
Nasir Core sees Big 3 opportunity as a 'responsibility' to represent FAMU, HBCUs
Core often thinks of the lessons he learned on The Highest of Seven Hills.
Coming from FAMU, a mid-major and limited-resource college basketball program, boosted his drive to get him where he is today.
Now, he aims to represent FAMU and all HBCUs nationwide to show aspiring professional basketball players they can make it.
“You learn a lot about adversity at FAMU. It builds you and your character,” Core said.
“I wear the FAMU Orange and Green proudly. Not only am I holding it down for FAMU, but I’m holding it down for all HBCU players when I step on the court to show high-major players and ex-NBA vets that we have talent at that level, too.
“I take it as a responsibility to show what HBCUs and FAMU are made of.”
Core’s Big 3 debut is on Saturday during 3’s Company season opener vs. Power at Oakland Arena in California, starting at 9 p.m Eastern Time. CBS and X/Twitter will stream the game.
Core’s first college basketball game was FAMU and South Florida’s 2016 matchup in his hometown, Tampa. And as fate would have it, Core will play his second Big 3 game in Tampa on June 22.
“It was destined for me to make it,” Core said of joining the Big 3.
“I’m just excited and trying to prepare myself not to have the nerves that most rookies have by playing against NBA legends. When you prepare and put the work in, you won’t be as nervous because you can always count on the work you put in.”
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email atgdthomas@tallahassee.comor on the app formerly known as Twitter@3peatgee.
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