Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Ice Cube Impact Award

“An assist is the most generous play you can make on and off the court.”—Ice Cube

I created the visual identity for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame way back in 1997. That April I joined Boston Celtics legend K.C. Jones and a distinguished group of civic and museum officials to unveil the logo, which endures to this day. 27 years later I teamed up with the Hall of Fame and Ice Cube on the Ice Cube Impact Award, which honors what the Hall describes as 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.”

I created the logo for the award, as well as the design of the exhibit itself and the literal award. Brainstorming ideas on what it could look like, I followed Cube’s lead when he said, “it’s gotta be cool.” What’s cooler than a basketball encased in an ice cube? I collaborated with our friends at S R. Blackinton, creators of the Big3’s championship trophy, as well as the trophies for the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. The award is a thing of beauty, topped off by a hand-blown glass cube. I was honored to join Cube, along with friends and family, in Springfield, Massachusetts on January 15, 2024 for the unveiling of the award and exhibit. The ice Cube Impact Award is presented annually to individuals making substantial contributions to their communities through the sport of basketball.