Jalen Rose will receive the 2025 Ice Cube Impact Award at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, in September for his work in education and community development.
Ice Cube, the Hip-Hop icon and co-founder of the BIG3 basketball league, selected Rose for the honor, citing his dedication to uplifting Detroit youth through academics and athletics.
“Throughout his entire career, Jalen has consistently been a force for good,” Ice Cube said. “Not only does he give back to his communities through fundraising, education, and, most importantly, through basketball, but he leads by example, championing the exact values this award was created to celebrate.”
Rose, a former NBA player and current television analyst, founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in 2011. The tuition-free public charter high school serves Detroit students and focuses on college readiness.
The school offers AP classes, dual enrollment, college tours and summer programs. Rose remains active as president of the board and is currently leading a $20 million capital campaign to expand the school.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the Ice Cube Impact Award,” Rose said. “Cube is family, and we share an unwavering dedication to giving back to the communities that raised us. Basketball created opportunities for us in different ways and has allowed both of us to make a lasting impact beyond the court. I’m grateful for this recognition and proud to be celebrated in the Hall’s museum.”
In addition to his work in education, Rose serves on the board of the National Basketball Players Association Foundation and partners with New Era Detroit, a local group focused on community safety and outreach.
He also established a scholarship endowment at the University of Michigan, his alma mater.
The Ice Cube Impact Award was launched in 2024 to honor individuals using basketball to drive meaningful change.
Ice Cube received the inaugural award for his role in creating the BIG3 league, which showcases professional 3-on-3 basketball and promotes diversity and opportunity in the sport.
John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, praised the collaboration.
“Ice Cube’s influence goes way beyond entertainment—he’s a cultural icon who’s using his platform to uplift communities through education and philanthropy,” Doleva said.
The award will be presented during Enshrinement Weekend on Saturday, September 6.
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