Former HBCU Hooper Makes BIG3 History

With the NBA squarely in its offseason, other basketball leagues take centerstage to give diehard hoops fans the action they crave.

The BIG3, which is chock-full of former NBA and DI talent, has stepped in to fill the void. Earlier this month, an HBCU alumnus went off in the three-on-three league to etch his name into the record books.

Nasir Core was red hot from the field in the second half for the Detroit Amps, pouring in 29 points in that frame against the Dallas Power.

The Amps ultimately ended up losing 51-48, but Core’s scoring barrage brought Detroit back into the action and gave them a legitimate chance to steal the win at the end.

Core’s 29 points was the most points ever scored in a half in BIG3 history, and the former Florida A&M guard finished the contest with 31 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

His standout contest also featured a long-distance make from four-point range, which is the first time a player in the BIG3 has made that shot this season.

BIG3 record 29 2nd-half points! https://t.co/Q2eLU94YNp pic.twitter.com/B37ahnWLlX

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 5, 2026

His performance is somewhat ironic for those who watched him play with the Rattlers, as Core averaged less than five points per game throughout his college career. His career high point total at Florida A&M came in his senior season, when he dropped 29 points in a double overtime victory against Delaware State in February 2020.

However, he was known for his tireless work ethic on the defensive end of the floor, which made life difficult for opponents.

As I prepare to play my last game in Al Lawson I wanted to thank Rattler Nation for all the love & support for the past 4 years 🖤I will always cherish & never forget my time here. This University & fan base will always hold a special place in my heart #Rattla4Life🐍 #CincoOut🖐🏾 pic.twitter.com/k2qQ4vJMPH

— N A S😎 (@CoreNasir) February 24, 2020

Since graduating from Florida A&M with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, Core has continued to pursue his love for basketball in different ways. Through social media, Core’s ability to break down defenders in isolation situations has been on display on the Ball is Life network on YouTube. He took down former NBA player Gerald Green in a one on one matchup earlier this spring, which gained him a lot of attention.

Core has also traveled the world to play basketball professionally since his Rattlers days, as his career has taken him to countries like Albania and Cape Verde.

He has been an impact player since joining the BIG3 in 2024, winning Rookie of the Year and 4^th Man of the Year for the best performer off the bench in his first go-round with the three-on-three league.

In his second season, Core took another step by becoming an All-Star.

Before his days on Florida A&M’s campus, Core was a well-regarded athlete in the state of Florida. In addition to basketball, he was a talented football player who made his name as a defensive back at Tampa Freedom High School.

He had the choice to play either basketball or football at Florida A&M, but decided that his path would ultimately be on the hardwood.

“The Blueprint”, as Core is nicknamed, is a co-captain for the Amps, who are coached by none other than ABA and NBA legend George “The Iceman” Gervin, who was known for his iconic finger roll.

Nasir Core's BIG3 Record
Category	Details
The Record	Former HBCU guard Nasir Core delivered the greatest scoring performance in BIG3 history. Playing for the Detroit Amps, he erupted for 31 points, which included a record-shattering 29 points in a single half.
The HBCU Roots	Core is a proud two-time graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he developed into a standout point guard and relentless defender for the Rattlers.
The Path	After taking a non-traditional route through the booming world of professional one-on-one basketball and starring on the Ball Is Life network, his isolation skills earned him a spot in the BIG3.
The Accolades	Known as "The Blueprint," Core quickly captured both Rookie of the Year and 4th Man of the Year honors in 2024, followed by an All-Star nod in 2025.
The Mentor	Core's legendary scoring explosion happened under the tutelage of Detroit Amps head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer George "The Iceman" Gervin.