Ice Cube Speaks On Receiving Hall Of Fame Impact Award

Ice Cube has spoken on the basketball Hall of Fame “impact” award that he is due to receive on January 15. “This is big time! I’ve had passion for music, and in movies and sports. I’ve ended up in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — not reaching for that, but just having the passion at the right time. I got a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood just [from] having passion to do good work. And then in sports this is another milestone that’s just off the chart. Because no way, shape or form did I ever think I would be in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — for any reason,” Cube told HipHopDX.

Furthermore, Cube revealed that he in no way expected the award when it was revealed in November 2023. “It was a total surprise. Of course, we felt like our position when it comes to the NBA has been publicized, and so we didn’t think we had the shot to ever be involved with the Basketball Hall of Fame. But what they explained to us was that they’re not the NBA Hall of Fame, they’re Basketball Hall of Fame. They honor high school, college, pros, and they see the BIG3 as a great asset to the game. And so you just never think about it, and here we are,” the rapper added.

Read More: Ice Cube Says “No Vaseline” Is A Better Diss Track Than “Hit Em Up”

What Is The Ice Cube Hall Of Fame Award?

Ice Cube
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 05: Ice Cube performs on stage at The OVO Hydro on December 05, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns)

In November 2023, the Basketball Hall of Fame has announced that it has named a new impact award after Ice Cube. The award honors Cube’s “extraordinary contributions to the world of basketball, his unparalleled passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice while contributing to initiatives focused on education and community development.” It will be awarded to Cube on Martin Luther King Day next year in a ceremony in Massachusetts. It’s unclear if MLK Day will become the annual time when the awarded to presented to the new winner.

Cube, who founded The BIG3 3×3 league was blown away by the decision. “The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable. 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,” the rapper said.

Read More: Ice Cube Thanks J. Cole For Shoutout On Drake’s “First Person Shooter”

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SOURCE SPORTS: Dwyane Wade Selects Allen Iverson to Present Him to Basketball Hall of Fame

Dwyane Wade Selects Allen Iverson to Present Him to Basketball Hall of Fame

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has revealed the esteemed lineup of presenters for the Class of 2023 at the upcoming Enshrinement Ceremony.

Taking place on August 12 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, the event will witness the induction of new basketball legends in the “Birthplace of Basketball.”

A remarkable 45 Hall of Famers are expected to attend the ceremony, with each presenter chosen by the incoming Hall of Famers or their family members. The decision rests solely with the inductees, ensuring a meaningful connection between the presenters and the honorees. It promises to be an unforgettable night as the basketball community gathers to celebrate the Class of 2023 and their incredible contributions to the sport.

Among those ushering in the new class is 2016 inductee Allen Iverson who will welcome in Miami HEAT legend and 3x NBA Champion Dwyane Wade.

A full list of presenters is available below.

The 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees and Presenters:

1976 Women’s Olympic Basketball Team, presented by Ann Meyers (Class of 1993), Nancy Lieberman (‘96)

Becky Hammon, presented by Sheryl Swoopes (‘16), Teresa Weatherspoon (‘19)

David Hixon, presented by Jim Calhoun (‘05), John Calipari (‘15)

Dirk Nowitzki, presented by Jason Kidd (‘18), Steve Nash (‘18)

Dwyane Wade, presented by Allen Iverson (‘16)

Gary Blair, presented by Teresa Weatherspoon (‘19), Van Chancellor (‘07)

Gene Bess, presented by Chris Bosh (‘21), John Calipari (‘15), Roy Williams (‘07)

Gene Keady, presented by Jerry Colangelo (‘04), Tom Izzo (‘16)

Gregg Popovich, presented by David Robinson (‘09), Manu Ginobili (‘22), Tim Duncan (‘20), Tony Parker (‘23)

Jim Valvano, presented by John Calipari (‘15)

Pau Gasol, presented by Toni Kukoč (‘21)

Tony Parker, presented by Manu Ginobili (‘22), Tim Duncan (‘20)

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SOURCE SPORTS: Chris Paul, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and Boost Mobile Announce 2022 HBCU Tip-Off Events

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The second annual circuit of two Chris Paul HBCU events, the Boost Mobile HBCU Tip-Off and the Boost Mobile HBCU Challenge was announced today by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Four Historically Black Colleges and Universities will compete in the Boost Mobile HBCU Tip-Off on November 15 and 16 at Mohegan Sun Arena. Clark Atlanta University, Virginia Union University, Johnson C. Smith University, and Xavier University of Louisiana will compete in the two-day double header.

Four HBCUs will compete in the Boost Mobile HBCU Challenge on December 17 and 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Norfolk State University, Hampton University, Texas Southern University, and North Carolina A&T State University will compete in the two-day double header.

“Chris Paul has been a committed supporter of HBCUs and has diligently worked to create opportunities for the student-athletes at these institutions,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “The Hall of Fame is excited to build on last year’s success, and we look forward to watching both of these tournaments in an exciting two weekends of basketball.”

Paul, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, has long been a supporter of historically black colleges and universities. Paul was a logical fit for Boost Mobile, whose purpose is to deliver inexpensive wireless coverage to all areas. He was just named to President Joe Biden’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Advisory Board. Why Not Us: North Carolina Central Basketball and Why Not Us: FAMU Football on ESPN+ were executive produced by Paul. In addition, Paul teamed with Harvard Business School to deliver its Entertainment, Media, and Sports program to a number of historically black colleges and universities in order to create a pipeline for students interested in jobs in those fields. He started HBCU voting initiatives to encourage students to vote in the recent election, and he teamed up with Sour Patch Kids and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to launch The Mischief for Change Scholarship, a college scholarship fund with a $1 million commitment over the next five years for students attending historically black colleges and universities. Paul is a student at Winston-Salem State University, where he is pursuing a degree.

“We are so excited for the second year of our HBCU Challenge. It is great to work with our partners to give these student athletes a national stage they may not otherwise have,” said Paul. “I hope these events gives these players an experience that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. I sincerely appreciate the collaboration of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Mohegan Sun and MGM. We love Boost Mobile as a partner because of their commitment to HBCU schools and athletes in partnership with this event.”

“At Boost Mobile, we’re always looking to align with individuals and brands that are truly making a difference for under-represented communities. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate our love for basketball, and aligning with Chris Paul and giving HBCU student-athletes a national stage is something we are proud to a part of,” said Andrea Henderson, vice president of brand marketing, Boost Mobile. “I cannot wait to see the looks on the student-athletes faces when they get the chance to compete on this national stage. That to me will be worth it all.”

The Boost Mobile Tip-Off and the Boost Mobile HBCU Challenge, both hosted by Chris Paul, are two of the Hall of Fame’s collegiate events, which are growing in an effort to promote basketball outside of the museum’s doors. The Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame cooperated on these two events.

Ticket information, game times and television broadcast details will be released at a later date. For more information, please visit www.hoophall.com.

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