Big3 is an unbelievably interesting competition that has provided a lot of excitement and fun during the past five editions. Ice Cube’s and Jeff Quatinetz’s project attracts a lot of attention from 3×3 fans and experts in this beautiful game. The previous campaign was specific since Trilogy defended the title and many new players joined the league.
One of them is Ray Nixon, Tri State’s reinforcement for the 2022 season in Fireball. Gifted players came to the roster in the middle of the season and gained sympathies all over the world. Let’s briefly go through his basketball career.
What did Nixon’s college career look like?
First, Ray spent 4 years at Wisconsin University representing them in national competitions. Playing under the charge of Bo Ryan was a significant experience for a young man like Nixon.
That time served good to our hero as he became more disciplined and aware of how big his responsibility as a player was. Being a teammate with Devin Harris was also one thing Ray remembers with joy. Finally, all players on the roster were like brothers as the team’s strategy was to pick persons from Midwest, like Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, etc.
How did his overseas part of the experience in basketball begin?
After finishing college, Ray Nixon headed to Germany and started his playing basketball overseas. The player signed a contract with a club called Walter Tigers Tubingen in 2007 hoping his staying there will be easy and relaxing. However, he found himself practicing three times a day and needed to make big sacrifices. At first, Nixon was very disappointed with the fact that only one fixture was played throughout the week.
Later, those adjustments to the culture shaped him into a committed person on and off the court. Searching for balance in life became his moto during the season 2007/2008.
Where did Nixon continue his career after a short stint with Tubingen?
Following brief tenure with the German team, Ray went to Finland signing a deal with team Naima Lahti. Our hero had a lot of fun in this country winning the award for Player of the Year and the national championship. The relaxed and easy-going coach gave the players the necessary rest so they were able to recover for games properly.
In 2009, Ray put his signature on a contract with French Rouen. Unfortunately, Nixon’s poor form resulted in the lost first eight games in the campaign. The team’s board dismissed Ray Nixon from the roster sending him to Japan.
How was his time in Japan?
Parting ways with the French team was followed by Nixon’s arrival in Japan in 2010. Eventually, Rey spent eight amazing seasons in this country learning about their culture and style of life.
The level of his popularity surprised the player since he has never played in NBA, the most popular national basketball competition on the planet. Ray Nixon represented Hamamatsu, Shiga Lakestars, and Otsuka Corporation Alphas. Having only trained at night, he had a lot of time to travel and meet Tokyo and his surroundings.
How did Ray join Fireball?
Finishing his basketball career in the Finish team Tampereen in 2020 was a sad moment for Nixon, but quickly he turned his sights to Big3. Scoring 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in his last campaign was a solid result in retirement season.
Ray heard a lot of good things about Ice Cube’s project and how many former NBA stars adapted well to a new environment. After failing to prove himself at Big3 Tryout and Combine, former Hamamatsu’s power forward got a call from legendary Jason Richardson if he wants to join team Tri State in the middle of the 2022 season.
What was it for Nixon working with Jason Richardson and Julius Erving?
Becoming Tri State’s member and replacing Garlon Green after the second week of the 2022 campaign happened suddenly for Ray. Nixon got to play with one of the best dunkers in the NBA’s recent history, Jason Richardson. Jason motivated our hero with good pieces of advice on and off the court and helped him to adapt faster to the team’s culture.
On the other side, former Otsuka’s center was playing under the charge of one his childhood idols, Julius Erving. Julius or “Dr.J.” enabled Ray to be having freedom in his position and Nixon evolved in his responsibility as a person thanks to Erving.
What happened with Tri State during his debut season in Fireball?
Tri State started a relatively good campaign and after four rounds had a 3-1 score.
Ray Nixon didn’t get the number of minutes on the court as he expected, mainly because of his rookie status. The team lost intensity in the next couple of rounds and lost three fixtures, so all chances for qualifying for the playoff were lost. The player came as a substitution into the deciding game against Power, but couldn’t guard Glen Rice Jr. properly.
Tri State finished the regular part of the season with four wins and four losses in 6th place falling short of reaching the Top 4 phase.
What was Ray’s best performance in Tri State’s jersey?
Nixon appeared from nowhere in the last team’s fixture against the team that already qualified for playoff.
Ray decided to let his frustration go and played last Tri State’s game against Three Headed Monsters unbelievably ending it with field goal percentage of 80%. Eventually, Nixon ended the game with amazing 22 points shooting 6-7 from three-point range and helped the team to record a win. Also, he scored the final bucket sealing the 50-38 victory.
What are Nixon’s goals for the future?
His main goal is to participate at the next Tryout and Combine to attract attention from the best Big3 teams. Ray Nixon is eager to prove that the last game in the 2022 campaign was not an accident and that he wouldn’t have anything against playing once again for Tri State. Already knowing Jason Richardson and Justin Dentmon would only make things easier for Ray in those challenges.
However, the only thing Nixon could is to put hard work in, prepare, and be ready for the potential call.
What is Ray Nixon doing outside of court?
Following a turbulent playing 5×5 career, Ray made a decision he wants to be a personal trainer whose advice, knowledge, and experience can be a valuable asset for generations to come. Being a personal trainer for Nixon means trying to help future basketball players to live their lives with more quality.
Improving eating and fitness habits are crucial things that can contribute to better management of emotions on the court. His main message to all people is that becoming a better version of themselves is achievable if they strive for that goal every single day.
Despite not winning the trophy in his only season in Fireball, Ray Nixon caught the eye of many teams in the league. His abilities and skills are wanted on Big3’s market, for sure. Nixon waited for his opportunity patiently and his persistence paid off in the end. Now it’s time for putting further work and dedication into the training.
His example is tremendously meaningful and many players can learn a lot from his career. His overseas career during his basketball career taught him a lot and gave him the necessary experience. It is certainly a valuable asset in his 3×3 road. We wish all the luck to Nixon in his upcoming playing days.
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