The Rice University Neologisms Database

A shot made from far beyond the basket that goes into the basket, resulting in three points; a three-point shot. Sports announcers were seeking a more colorful and original way to say “rebound”. The announcers may have been attracted to moneyball because it adds to their comfortable, familiar tone, and serves as a shibboleth, labeling them as members of the basketball community. In addition, these announcers work for the Dallas Mavericks basketball team. So, the alliterative phrase Maverick moneyball is often used. This alliteration is catchy and therefore desirable to the announcers. This word is now regarded as basketball jargon, at least by Dallas basketball viewers.