All In Aftermath: What’s Next For Nas After Beating Archie?

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All In Aftermath: What’s Next For Nas After Beating Archie?

LAS VEGAS – Now that the dust has begun to settle after Nasir Core’s victory over Archie Goodwin at All In last Friday, you could make a legitimate case that it was the most important win in the history of the 1v1 space.

With a who’s who of NBA stars in attendance, Nas overcame a 17-9 halftime deficit and registered a lights out performance down the stretch to defeat Archie 30-24. Immediately after the game, Nas held his “LEVELS” jersey above his head and ran to the corner of the court to celebrate with the fans, yelling the phrase  in response to the notion that he wasn’t worthy of these matchups because he hadn’t reached the professional heights as some of his most sought after opponents. As he said in his own words on Instagram on Sunday, hopefully this win over Archie puts all that Levels talk to bed. 

“There are no levels,” Nas told Ballislife. “Basketball is basketball. It’s all about what happens in that box. You got to check it up. I wasn’t focused on him, it was about me and doing what I can. I was strong in my runs.”

Pivotal Matchup

Because of what this matchup meant for the Professional vs. YouTube hoopers discourse, the widespread reaction to the event was in large part due to just how much was at stake in this game. For Nas, it was a chance to prove his status as the greatest 1v1 hooper on the planet by finally beating an active pro that many believed he would lose to. In Archie’s case, he was representing the legions of professional hoopers who have taken exception to Nas’ brash comments in the past. 

In the aftermath of Nas’ victory, the focus now shifts to what could be next for the hottest name in the 1v1 space. On Sunday, Archie made it clear on his own Instagram that he wants a re-match with Nas for $100k, now that he knows how the game is going to be officiated in comparison to 5v5. It’s hard to imagine there will be an immediate rematch between the two, but it was certainly a matchup that could have gone the other direction if Archie responded better to Nas’ halftime adjustments.

Which Pro Is Next For Nas?

One of the former NBA stars in attendance, Pat Beverly, may be the next name on Nas’ infamous hit list. Nas called Pat Bev out on social media this weekend, to which Pat responded that he was the one who teams called to guard Kevin Durant, Lebron James and Steph Curry. The insinuation, of course, is that Nas would obviously be no problem for him. If Pat Bev really does want to come outside and step into the 1v1 arena, a matchup against Nas is as big as any matchup that can be made in the entire sport right now. 

The other big professional name on Nas’ hit list is one he’s been pursuing for a while in Austin Rivers. Nas and Rivers have gone back and forth extensively on social media, with their banter mostly consisting of Nas telling Rivers to come outside while Rivers insists that a matchup with Nas or any 1v1 YouTube hooper is simply not worth the time or reputational risk. The verbal history between the two would make this a matchup of historic proportions for the space, but it seems like there’s a pretty slim chance that Rivers ever takes the bait.

Nas vs. Zae?

In terms of an in-house Ballislife One on One Championship opponent, it’s hard to dream up a matchup that would hold even a candle to a rematch between Nas and Zae. Nas might be the biggest name in the space, but Zae has been the most consistent athlete in the sport this year.

Within the last year, Zae has beaten some of the top names in the space such as Bijan, Lamar Peters, Bruce, and Left Hand Dom. And not only has Zae beaten them, he’s beaten them in decisive fashion. Plus, Zae called Nas out after his victory over Bijan on Friday and made it clear that’s the matchup he wants next. If it’s not Zae, Rob Colon presents another intriguing matchup for Core given Rob’s recent run and the history between the two.

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