The award will be presented in Springfield, MA
This weekend, The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will award Ice Cube the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, a groundbreaking collaboration with the rap star, film producer, actor, entrepreneur, and BIG3 basketball league co-founder.
The award aims to recognize Ice Cube’s remarkable contributions to basketball, his unparalleled passion for the game, and his steadfast commitment to fostering dialogues on inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice, along with significant contributions to education and community development initiatives.
“I have had a deep love for basketball since my early years,” Ice Cube shares. “When I embarked on the BIG3 journey, I never anticipated it would culminate to the level of having an award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame named after me. I am genuinely elated and honored.”
“The Hall of Fame honors those whose contributions have had a significant impact on the sport at every level,” adds John Doleva, President & CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “The creation of the Ice Cube Impact Award further advances our foundational mission to preserve and promote the game of basketball and to be a force for positive change in the world. Ice Cube has created opportunities in basketball, music, and entertainment and continues to inspire millions through his efforts. This new exhibit and the annual trophy will honor both Ice Cube and the community leaders who use James Naismith’s ideals to build better communities.”
The event kicks off Sunday, January 14th at 11 am with a private clinic with local youth organizations at Center Court featuring Ice Cube and Hall of Famer and current BIG3 coach Nancy Lieberman. A Hoophall Hangout at Center Court with a Q&A with Ice Cube and a ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of the Ice Cube Impact Award exhibit in the Tip-Off Pavilion will follow. On Monday, January 15th, Ice Cube will be awarded during a presentation at Blake Arena at Springfield College.
The Ice Cube Impact Award is set to become a prestigious recognition for those who use basketball as a platform for positive change in their communities.
Ice Cube, a legendary figure in the world of music and entertainment, has proven time and time again that his talents and passions extend far beyond the realm of music and movies. While he initially gained fame as a member of the groundbreaking rap group NWA, Ice Cube has since carved out a multifaceted career that spans acting, directing, producing, and even sports ownership. Following NWA, Ice Cube pursued a successful solo music career and later established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry through his acting roles and contributions to filmmaking, starring in numerous films such as Boyz n the Hood, Friday, and Barbershop. In 2017, he co-founded the BIG3, which aimed to bring an exciting three-on-three basketball league to fans, featuring former NBA stars and other professional players. Among Ice Cube’s many awards and honors, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of NWA in 2016 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.
