Last season, Donte Greene and Killer 3’s made an incredible run to the 2019 BIG3 championship. We sat down with Greene to discuss his season, what made it so special and his expectations for season 4.
What was last season like for you?
Last season was good. Had some ups and downs but when it mattered, we came together and got the W’s we needed to get. Made it all the way to the championship. Didn’t win, but it was still a successful first season.
How is Charles Oakley as your coach? What kind of advice has he given you?
Charles Oakley’s name speaks for itself. A veteran in the game who didn’t take no mess from anybody. He was a hard nose player who did whatever it took to win. That’s how he coaches. You might argue with him and not like what he says. But I know we’re in this together and he’s gonna have our back.
You hit game-winners and had a breakout season, what do you attribute that to?
Just being ready and prepared for whatever. I’ve always been a versatile guy that can go out and play different positions. That and I still play professionally overseas, so I’m playing year round.
What was it like going to the championship game with that group?
Killer 3’s this year was special. Stak has been there from the beginning with the team and never really had some younger guys to help him out on the court. We had a great group that not only got along on the court but off the court too. Team dinners and just hanging out every weekend got us to really gel on the court.
Stak is talked about as a great teammate, what did he bring to the team and how did he help you?
To everybody, Stak is the OG. A guy who has seen it all and his resume speaks for itself. A DAWG on the court and someone who’s going to give you everything he’s got every night. He kept us glued in on all the little things we needed to win and get to the championship.
What are your expectations for season 4 individually and for your team?
I definitely want to get back to the championship and win it this time. Individually, I just keep trying to get better and learn this 3-on-3 game a little bit better. It’s different than 5-on-5 and it has some trickery to it. With the new rules, I think it’s going to be even better and more exciting.
What are your passions off the court?
Off the court, my first passion is my kids. I’m a big kid at heart so I love spending time with them and my fiancé. Traveling is a big part of my life too, so I try and share that with them as much as possible.
Recently, you were stuck in another country, walk me through how that happened and what’s transpired over the past few weeks.
I was recently playing in Saudi Arabia. We had just finished up our season that ended early because of the coronavirus. I was scheduled to fly home Tuesday, March 17. On Sunday, March 15, they shut the country down. No flights in or out of the kingdom and the borders were closed. The first week was ok because things were still open like malls, restaurants and coffee shops. Week two, they gave us a 7PM curfew and everything was closed. You could only dine out from restaurants. Week three, you could only be outside from 6AM to 3PM. In my last three days, they put in a 24 hour stay at home rule. Nothing was open except hospitals and pharmacies. Luckily the American embassy chartered us a plane and got a bunch of Americans out. I was just stuck over there for three and a half weeks. Thank god for FaceTime because i would have went crazy. Friends and family sent up many prayers for me and i made my way back home!!!
What has the BIG3 given you?
BIG3 has given an opportunity for my family and friends to see me play back home. Playing overseas it’s kind-of like out of mind, out of sight. Fans and people forget sometimes and it’s good to come back and showcase your game on national TV.