Originally published August 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified August 22, 2008 at 9:46 AM

3-on-3 concept to take a run at KeyArena

The Sonics are gone and the Storm's playoff chances may be hindered because of an injury to star Lauren Jackson, but basketball continues...

By Jayda Evans

Seattle Times staff reporter

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ROBERT SORBO / AP

Former Sonic Shawn Kemp is expected to join the Seattle three-on-three team for tonight's exhibition.

The Sonics are gone and the Storm's playoff chances may be hindered because of an injury to star Lauren Jackson, but basketball continues to find a pulse in Seattle.

The latest game to hit Seattle will be 3BA International, a proposed three-on-three basketball league whose rules emphasize speed and stamina. Sonics legend Shawn Kemp will play in the Seattle vs. Portland exhibition game set for 7:30 tonight at KeyArena.

"It's the Arena Football version of basketball," said former NBA player A.C. Green, who will coach the Portland team. "I got involved because I wanted to be part of something new and different."

Well, 3BA is different.

Teams made up of aspiring pros and former college players average about 150 points a contest. KeyArena will be re-formatted for the players to play on a league-regulated court that's 50 feet wide and 72 feet long, using an 18-second shot clock.

Former Washington players Donald Watts and Jamie Booker are expected to join Kemp on the Seattle roster. Kemp was an assistant coach but didn't play in a game in Portland in July.

Jasen Thomas, who played at O'Dea High School and Central Washington, will coach the team.

The Portland team features former Oregon State players Marcel Jones, David Lucas, J.S. Nash and C.J. Giles, who played at Rainier Beach High School.

Tickets range from $4 to $23, and the game will be shown at 6 p.m. Sunday on FSN.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com

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