FAMU graduate Nasir Core breaks BIG3 scoring record.

Nasir Core, a former guard for Florida A&M University, made history on July 6th with an outstanding performance in the BIG3 league. Standing at 6-foot-3 and hailing from Tampa, Core scored an impressive 29 points in just one half while playing for the Detroit Amps. This feat took place during a game against the Dallas Power at Amerant Bank Arena, and he finished the game with a total of 31 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals, according to the official BIG3 box score.

Core's incredible display included five 3-pointers and even the league's first 4-point shot of the 2026 season. Despite the Amps' narrow 51-48 loss to the Power, this achievement set a new standard in the nine-year-old 3-on-3 league that was co-founded by the legendary Ice Cube. However, for the historically Black college and university community, Core's record-breaking night holds much more significance than just a stat line.

It serves as a powerful reminder of the exceptional and often overlooked talent that is cultivated on campuses like "The Highest of Seven Hills." In a professional sports world where HBCU athletes often struggle for recognition and visibility, Core's dominance on the court is a vital representation of what these athletes are truly capable of. His performance not only showcases his exceptional abilities but also sheds light on the talent that exists within the Black college community. It challenges the notion that these athletes are any less skilled or capable than their mainstream counterparts.

For Core, his journey to this historic moment was anything but conventional. After graduating from FAMU with both a bachelor's and master's degree, he took a nontraditional path, gaining a significant following on the one-on-one circuit and consistently excelling in Ball Is Life network matchups. By leveraging these nontraditional platforms and building a strong personal brand through social media and grassroots competitions, Core was able to showcase his talent to a wider audience and attract professional opportunities.

His career serves as a prime example of the power of creative exposure and embracing unconventional paths to success. With over 140,000 Instagram followers and a track record of defeating established veterans, including former NBA Slam Dunk champion Gerald Green, Core caught the attention of the BIG3 league in 2024. He went on to earn Rookie of the Year and 4th Man of the Year honors in his first season, followed by an All-Star selection in 2025.

Core's exceptional skills and dedication have not gone unnoticed by his team, the Detroit Amps. In a post-game release, the coaching staff praised his ability to thrive in isolation and credited his success to his mentor, Basketball Hall of Famer George "The Iceman" Gervin. With such a seasoned mentor by his side, it's no surprise that Core has been able to develop his scoring instincts to such a high level.

Now sitting at the top of the BIG3 record book, "The Blueprint," as he is known, has proven that HBCU athletes not only have a place in professional basketball but can also rise to lead as well. His record-breaking performance is a testament to this influence, and Core has no plans of slowing down. On July 10th, he will return to the Ball Is Life YouTube circuit to face off against former NBA guard Archie Goodwin at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

It's clear that Core's determination and hard work have paid off, and his legacy as one of the greatest players in BIG3 history is secured. As the league continues to grow and evolve, Core's name will remain in the record books as a reminder of the incredible talent that exists within the HBCU community. As Ice Cube himself has stated, the BIG3 is now location-based, and Core's performance has solidified his place among the league's greatest players.