Jalen Rose has always been able to give people what they want. Hailing from the city of Detroit, Michigan the young guard would make a powerful statement on the basketball court. He would use his childhood to fuel his competitive drive. Rose, a left-handed player, was known to have a smooth offensive game. As an All-American basketball player for Southwestern High School, Rose would quickly obtain a high profile, being featured in the documentary film Hoop Dreams. Rose would help change the collegiate game of basketball as one of the ‘Fab Five’ freshmen at the University of Michigan. The Wolverines would make two NCAA Finals games in ’92 and ’93 where they would finish as runners-up. Despite never winning a championship title, the ‘Fab Five’ is still the most iconic and influential team in sports history. They brought the game of basketball and hip-hop culture to the national stage with style. Jalen led the ‘Fab Five’ in scoring his freshman year, averaging 17.6 points per game, and set a school freshman record with 597 points. The 6’8” versatile point guard was a force to be reckoned with. Rose would finish his collegiate career with 1700 points, 400 rebounds, 400 assists, and 100 steals. 

In the 1994 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, Rose was selected 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets. After two years with Denver, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers where he would find success with Coach Larry Bird and teammate Reggie Miller. During the ’99 season, averaging 18.2 points per game, Rose would win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award, leading his team to the 2000 NBA Finals. Throughout Rose’s career, he had to compete against some of the best to ever play such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. After 13 seasons in the NBA, Rose would retire with a career average of 14.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Rose would continue to be a part of the game by joining ESPN as a studio analyst. He makes frequent appearances on the morning shows Get Up and First Take. He is also a part of the popular podcast and TV show Jalen and Jacoby, yet again blending his love of basketball and hip-hop. Rose would also expand his leadership and influence as he established the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in 2011. His passion for serving his Detroit community is second to none. The Jalen Rose Foundation/Charitable Fund has created life-changing opportunities through education and sports for underprivileged youth. Rose’s hometown of Detroit has recognized his exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedication to the quality of life of youth by awarding him the Spirit of Detroit Award and Michiganian of the Year Award. A true champion of education, Rose also established a scholarship endowment at his alma mater.