BIG3 Star Andre Emmett Shot and Killed in Dallas

Ex-college basketball and BIG3 star Andre Emmett was shot and killed in Dallas on Monday morning ... TMZ Sports has confirmed. He was 37 years old.

According to Dallas PD ... Emmett was approached by 2 suspects while sitting in his car in front of his house around 2:30 AM on Monday. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and an altercation ensued.

Cops say Emmett was gunned down while trying to run away from the suspects ... and he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Emmett -- the 35th pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2004 NBA Draft -- was the 2nd leading scorer in the 3-on-3 league this past season while playing for 3's Company.

"The BIG3 is in a state of shock over the sudden and tragic death of Andre Emmett," the league said in a statement. "Andre was a member of the BIG3 family for two seasons and never without a smile on his face."

"His kindness towards others and easy-going demeanor made him a joy to be around."

Emmett briefly played for the Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets ... and played several years overseas.

Emmett was a star at Texas Tech under Bob Knight ... and was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2018.

#RIP