Jalen Rose will be honored with the 2025 Ice Cube Impact Award, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Ice Cube announced this week. The award recognizes Rose’s lasting impact beyond basketball, particularly his commitment to education and community development in Detroit.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the Ice Cube Impact Award,” said Jalen Rose. “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 2011, Rose founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school that supports students from 9th grade through college. The school offers AP classes, college tours, and dual enrollment opportunities. Rose serves as president of the Board of Directors and actively fundraises to close the funding gap, provide scholarships, and support a $20 million capital campaign to expand the school. He also has a scholarship endowment at the University of Michigan.
Outside of education, Rose sits on the board of the National Basketball Players Association Foundation and collaborates with New Era Detroit, an organization dedicated to resource distribution and community safety. His leadership and philanthropy continue to shape the lives of young people in the city where he was raised.
“Throughout his entire career, Jalen has consistently been a force for good,” said Ice Cube, who was recognized last year with the inaugural award. “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. His impact can be felt deeply in Detroit, and his commitment to building up the next generation is inspiring. I could not be more honored that we have named Jalen Rose this year’s Ice Cube Impact Award recipient and thank him for his tireless dedication to lifting up communities through the beautiful game of basketball.”
The Ice Cube Impact Award, established in 2024, is permanently housed in the Hall of Fame and honors individuals who utilize basketball as a catalyst for positive change. Rose will be recognized during Enshrinement Weekend on September 6 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see Ice Cube and the Hall of Fame come together for something this impactful,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “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. This partnership represents a modern, meaningful opportunity for the Hall to celebrate not just basketball excellence, but the power of the game to drive real change. Jalen Rose is a remarkable selection for the Ice Cube Impact Award, embodying the values this honor was created to recognize.”