Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame Honored Ice Cube With The 'Ice Cube Impact Award' For His Contributions To Advance Basketball
HOUSTON — "I think we have to be trailblazers," Ice Cube articulated about being bestowed the inaugural 'Ice Cube Impact Award' by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
"We can't just rely on the traditional way things are done in America. We have to try to venture out and gain new ground."
Since his beginnings with N.W.A., Ice Cube's powerful lyrics set ablaze and challenged societal norms with a genius that has transcended genres, generations, art, and sports.
Jan. 15, 2024; Ice Cube Impact Award; Credit: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
HUMBLED BY THE HONOR, GIVES BIG3 CREDIBILITY
'It was pleasantly surprising to get an honor like that," Cube reflected. "When we started the BIG3, now eight years ago, never did I think that we'd get into the Hall of Fame so soon. It really seemed like a short time. I was very honored and blown away in a lot of ways. But starting a league like the BIG3, it's all about credibility...we started with Hall of Famers as coaches...so that gave us a lot of credibility...So this [honor] right here is a different type of credibility."
As an entrepreneur, Ice Cube co-founded the BIG3 basketball league with noted entertainment businessman Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017. The league developed partnerships and garnered support from a list of "Who's Who" in basketball. Also, HBCU sports fans and urban community have an affinity to the BIG3, all who Ice Cube acknowledges is important for the league's future.
Several legends like Dr. J., George Gervin, Rick Barry, Clyde Drexler, Gary Payton, Allen Iverson, Lisa Leslie, Nancy Liberman, Chauncey Billups, Jermaine O'Neal, and Corey Maggette gave the BIG3 the credibility necessary to push forward.
"Having the right partners to really start growing this league is just as important as the money," Cube noted.
ICE CUBE'S COLLABORATION WITH THE HALL OF FAME
"The Hall of Fame honors those whose contributions have had a significant impact on the sport at every level," John Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, on creating an award on Ice Cube's behalf.
"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."
BEING A PIONEER
Ice Cube, 54, was a founding member of the legendary rap group N.W.A. along with Eazy-E (Eric Wright), Dr. Dre (Andre Young), DJ Yella, Arabian Prince, and MC Ren. He later launched a successful solo rap effort and pioneered a career in entertainment as an actor, writer, and movie producer.
His groundbreaking role as 'Dough Boy' in John Singleton's Boyz-N-The Hood movie was the catalyst he needed to embark on writing the Friday movie script and developing the project as the executive producer.
Credit Ice Cube for rockin' his Raiders, Lakers, and Dodgers lids and jerseys to making a sports association with the young rap generation an impactful connection that still exists.
The inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award recognized his "remarkable contributions to basketball, unparalleled passion for the game, steadfast commitment to fostering dialogues on inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice, and significant contributions to education and community development initiatives.
GROWING THE BIG3
"It's time to sell the teams. It's time for owners to take these teams, place them in different cities, and cultivate the fan base," Cube mentioned about the BIG3's goal for expansion. One vision for the league's growth is to include black women as owners. With the NBA, "we're talking about billions of dollars liquid. So, a lot of us are priced out. With a league like the BIG3 at its inception, we're not priced out. We can, we can have ownership. We can build something together. We can create what they created with the NBA over 75 years ago. We're on the cusp. We're on our way."
During the conversation, he disclosed that BIG3 has already initiated talks with potential owners to increase financial resources and popularity. Cube pointed out, "We're looking for the right owners. The ones that can help us grow, be disruptive, and carve out our own path. Our motto is 'Changing the Game.' We think it's necessary for us to do something fresh and new."
He's anxious to get minority ownership on board while the ground floor price point is achievable.
ICE CUBE WITH KYLE T. MOSLEY
ON HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NBA
Unfortunately, the National Basketball Association decided not to partner with Ice Cube and BIG3. "We wanted to have a working relationship with the NBA. We think it's healthy for both leagues. And we think we complement what they're doing, and they definitely complement what we're doing. But it's the top brass at the NBA. If you ask any players, coaches, GMs, and owners, they love us. It's really the top guys at the NBA who are threatened by what we're doing, and they don't have to be."
In the past, the BIG3 offered the NBA to become a part of their business, but the multi-billion-dollar league rejected the overtures. Both leagues can exist together, but it's up to the NBA to accept the BIG3's olive branch and work together.
DEVELOPING NEW PLANS
As an artist, visionary, and entrepreneur, Cube's journey has been compelling. Nonetheless, it's a testament to his focus, preparation, and penchant for hard work. "Make the plan. Execute the plan. And while I'm executing this plan, make another plan for when I finish this plan so I can execute that new and leapfrog these plans and the execution."
If we know Cube, he has another plan brewing. Exactly what?
We shall see.