"Having those conversations is always going to be enlightening" - Montrezl Harrell can't wait to be coached by Julius Erving in his BIG3 debut originally appeared on Basketball Network .
The BIG3 has been a godsend for hoopers who still have a lot of gas left in their tanks but have been unable to punch a ticket back to the NBA. One player who is relishing the opportunity to compete in the most popular 3-on-3 league in the United States is Montrezl Harrell , who will be suiting up for the Chicago Triplets.
As the BIG3 kicks off its eighth season this Saturday at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Harrell expressed his excitement not only for the intense action ahead but also for the opportunity to be mentored by one of basketball's greatest legends, Julius "Dr. J" Erving , who serves as the head coach of the Triplets.
Erving was one of basketball's earliest high-flyers, dazzling fans, teammates and opponents with his aerial acrobatics and smooth style of play. He played in the original American Basketball Association (ABA) before joining the NBA, where he continued to dominate and solidify his status as one of the greatest players in history.
Now, Harrell will have the chance to learn from him as he competes under Erving's guidance in the BIG3. This is an opportunity that many young players can only dream of and Harrell is determined to make the most of it. Although he, Erving and the rest of his Triplets teammates have yet to convene, Harrell is ready to soak up the wisdom and advice that his coach has to offer.
"I was able to see him a couple of times when playing for the Sixers, with him being, you know, a great staple for the organization and just the city itself in Philly. I was able to see him a couple of games, and, you know, just able to pass and say hi," the 6'7" Harrell said in an exclusive interview with the Basketball Network.
"But to actually be able to be able to pick his brain and ask him the different basketball questions — from the era when they played until where the game is today — and then different things to how he sees it versus their era versus today's," he continued. "For me, just having those conversations is always going to be enlightening because it's a person that, you know, at the end of the day, is a Hall of Famer in this game."
Harrell last played in the NBA in 2023 with the Philadelphia 76ers , a stint that was cut short when he tore his ACL. After that, he has since played in China, Puerto Rico, and Australia, where he's currently signed with the Adelaide 36ers for the 2025-2026 season. This summer, though, will be all about the BIG3 as he teams up with Jason Richardson , Amir Johnson and Chris Allen to represent Chicago.
"I'm extremely excited to be a part of it. It's a league that's constantly growing. Man, so it's a blessing to be a part of it. Just one of those opportunities that kind of presented itself," Harrell excitedly stated. "Having multiple basketball eyes watching throughout the summer, man. So just being able to just show that I'm still able to, you know, play this game in numerous minor ways to the highest level with, you know, great pros."
In the NBA, Harrell built a reputation for his strong presence in the paint, boasting an impressive 61 percent career shooting percentage. Now, he's ready to bring his versatile skill set to the BIG3, where he aims to display even greater range and adaptability.
"As far as the summer versus, you know, in the NBA — different roles," Harrell started his explanation.
"I'm asked to do different things, man. So in the NBA, you see the aggression, just playing around the rim and things like that, man.
In the summer, I really post up. I'm handling the ball. I'm playing more of a guard situation, more of the iso situation basketball, man," he shared. "So really, man, I'm just looking to come in the game, be myself. And when I mean to be myself, it's more so the free flow, energy, you know," he concluded.
Harrell and the Triplets open their BIG3 campaign against the Detroit Amps, a team led by NBA All-Star Joe Johnson and coached by George "The Iceman" Gervin.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
