Anshari Taslim
Former Louisville Cardinals standout Montrezl Harrell has embarked on a demanding summer itinerary, balancing high-stakes competition in both The Basketball Tournament (TBT) and the Big3 league. The 32-year-old forward, a key member of Louisville’s 2013 national championship team and a veteran of a decade-long NBA career, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sport, culminating in a record-breaking performance for the Chicago Triplets in the Big3 just hours after competing with his college alumni squad.
Harrell’s rigorous schedule underscores a profound dedication to basketball, a sentiment he articulated recently. His weekend began on a Saturday with The Ville, the Louisville alumni team, facing off against La Familia, the Kentucky alumni squad, in a highly anticipated TBT matchup. Harrell logged 31 minutes in the contest held in Lexington, Kentucky. Less than 24 hours later, he traveled to Chicago to join his Big3 team, the Chicago Triplets, for their Sunday fixture against the LA Riot. This rapid transition culminated in a historic performance, with Harrell scoring 42 points, establishing a new single-game scoring record for the Big3 league, and leading the Triplets to a dominant 50-31 victory.
The 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year has quickly established himself as a formidable presence in the Big3, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz. Through two games this season, Harrell has accumulated 76 points, placing him sixth overall in the league’s scoring charts. His efficiency and impact have been immediate, showcasing the versatile skill set that characterized his NBA tenure. The Big3, known for its fast-paced, half-court format and attracting former NBA players, provides a platform for Harrell to continue competing at a high level.
This demanding schedule is not an isolated incident for Harrell this season. Following a decisive Game 3 loss for The Ville against La Familia on Wednesday night, Harrell immediately prepared for another journey. He was scheduled to travel over 300 miles to Detroit for a Big3 game on Thursday, where the Chicago Triplets are slated to face the Amps. The Triplets’ schedule continues with a game against DMV Trilogy on August 2 in Atlanta, which will be broadcast on CBS. Such a taxing itinerary, involving significant travel and back-to-back high-intensity games, highlights Harrell’s enduring physical conditioning and mental fortitude.
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"I’m different, I love basketball," Harrell stated in a recent interview, reflecting on his passion for the game. "I actually love being part of this game. Other people, I’m not going to call on (any) names, but there are players out here that only do it for the money because they’re getting paid to do it. It’s a job for them. I never wanted basketball to be that for me because although it is my job, I never wanted to look at it as a job. There are plenty of people out here who go into jobs they f—— hate every day. I never wanted to play the game of basketball like that because it’s my peace, it’s my sanctuary." This perspective offers insight into his willingness to undertake such a rigorous schedule, treating the game not merely as a profession but as a fundamental aspect of his identity and well-being.
Harrell’s connection to the University of Louisville remains strong, even more than a decade after his collegiate career concluded. He played for the Cardinals for three seasons, from 2012 to 2015, culminating in the program’s 2013 national championship. During his time at Louisville, Harrell developed into a dominant frontcourt presence, known for his relentless energy, powerful dunks, and defensive intensity. He averaged 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game during his junior season (2014-15), earning First-Team All-ACC honors. His contributions were instrumental in establishing Louisville as a perennial contender during that era.
After his college career, Harrell was selected in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft, 32nd overall, by the Houston Rockets. He quickly carved out a niche in the NBA as a high-energy big man, an effective rebounder, and a potent scorer around the rim. His career saw him play for six NBA franchises, including the Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers. His most decorated season came in 2019-20 with the Clippers, where he was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, averaging a career-high 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game off the bench, becoming a vital component of a championship-contending team.
The TBT, an annual single-elimination tournament featuring a $2 million winner-take-all prize, provides a unique opportunity for alumni teams to rekindle rivalries and compete for significant stakes. The showdown between The Ville and La Familia, representing the storied programs of Louisville and Kentucky, respectively, carries a historical weight that transcends the tournament itself. On Monday, Harrell returned to Louisville, delivering a 35-point performance at Freedom Hall, a venue steeped in Cardinals’ basketball history. His scoring outburst was pivotal in evening the series against La Familia, keeping The Ville’s aspirations for the $2 million prize alive. A notable moment from that game saw Harrell, with 3:53 remaining and The Ville holding a commanding 25-point lead, jump onto the scorer’s table in a celebratory display, igniting the home crowd and underscoring the emotional investment he maintains in his alma mater. Despite his heroics, The Ville ultimately fell to La Familia in the decisive Game 3 on Wednesday, concluding their TBT run for the season.
Harrell’s last appearance in the NBA was during the 2022-23 season. Since then, he has continued his professional career, most recently playing for Atléticos de San Germán, a professional club in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league. Despite being out of the NBA for three years and approaching a fourth, Harrell has expressed a clear interest in returning to the league.
"I’m definitely open to going back to the NBA," Harrell affirmed. "Honestly, it’s one of those things where it’s not my choice. It’s not up to me; it’s up to the NBA organizations as far as the teams. Once you kind of get somebody that puts a bad rep on your name, it’s a bit tough. I had a player who kind of tarnished and kind of put my name in a bad position. … I’m a person who loves to win and play the game the right way. I would do anything for (my) team. It’s wild to hear those different stories." Harrell’s comments suggest that he believes external factors, beyond his on-court performance, have influenced his current standing with NBA teams. His continued high-level play in both the TBT and Big3 serves as a testament to his capabilities and an ongoing audition for any NBA franchise seeking a veteran presence with a proven track record of impact and unwavering dedication.
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