Ice Cube Honored with First Impact Award by Basketball Hall of Fame
Ice Cube poses with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Ice Cube Impact Award.
Ice Cube/Twitter
By: Joshua Martin
After a 36-year career in the entertainment industry as a rapper, songwriter, film & record producer, actor, and lastly sports entrepreneur, Big3 founder, and West Coast Hip Hop legend Ice Cube was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, with the institution also naming the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award after him.
Had a remarkable time at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame today. So honored to see the trophy and exhibit for The Ice Cube Impact Award. Can’t wait to reward people in the future who positively impact us through the game of basketball. Thank you @Hoophall. pic.twitter.com/m7mL5v9a2E
— Ice Cube (@icecube) January 14, 2024
“So honored to see the trophy and exhibit for The Ice Cube Impact Award. Can’t wait to reward people in the future who positively impact us through the game of basketball.”
It Was A Good Day. #CubeImpactAward pic.twitter.com/2pLetRc9mc
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) January 15, 2024
Ice Cube and his business manager & partner Jeff Kwatinetz, came up with the idea during Kobe’s last NBA game. Rewriting the rules of the game to suit an older but experienced player, something Kobe might have wanted to play.
“When me and Jeff started the Big 3, never in a million years did we think we would be in the Hall of Fame. We are extremely honored.”
Widely recognized for his role in co-founding the professional 3-on-3 basketball program, the award is recognized for Cube’s unparalleled passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding equal opportunity and racial & social justice. The unexpected distinction had the rap legend at a loss of words after receiving the honor from such a prestigious and esteemed organization.
“Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism.”
President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, John L. Doleva shared his thoughts on their decision to name the honor after Cube.
“Ice Cube’s unquestionable passion for the game and his desire to see it utilized as a catalyst for positive impact on communities are unwavering. His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award.”
He went on to add the importance of the Big3 as a whole.
“We agree that the Big 3 is an important addition to professional basketball. The Hall of Fame is a big tent organization, and the Big 3 belongs in that tent.”
Ice Cube will develop the exact criteria for winning the award within the framework set by the Hall of Fame.
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