Ice Cube Gets Award Named After Him By Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame

The honor is due in part to what Ice Cube has been able to accomplish through his BIG3 basketball league

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced an award named after rapper turned actor/director Ice Cube on Nov. 13, due in part to what he has been able to accomplish through his BIG3 three-on-three basketball league. According to The Source, the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award will be awarded to its namesake on Jan. 15, 2024. The award will recognize Ice Cube’s journey and impact on the basketball community.

Ice Cube’s BIG3 league has provided a place for Hall of Famers, former world champions, and former All-Stars, among others, to play and coach. These developments have helped to revitalize the careers of players and coaches, providing a spark to their playing or coaching prospects. Lisa Leslie, a WNBA Hall of Famer who otherwise might not have gotten a chance to coach elsewhere has not only won titles in the BIG3, but has also been awarded its Coach of the Year award.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, in Springfield, Massachusetts, is both an American history museum and a hall of fame. Its primary mission is to serve as basketball’s premier library of the sport while also championing the preservation and promotion of basketball’s rich history.

“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,” Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s President and CEO John L. Doleva said in a statement, “His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award. We are delighted to join hands with Ice Cube as he leverages his love of the game to inspire others. The Ice Cube Impact Award will stand as a testament to the power of basketball and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide.

Ice Cube, who is a lifelong Lakers fan, shared comments regarding his honor, “The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable, and words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious 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.”