About the Author

JALEN ROSE was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Southwestern High School and the University of Michigan. As the only team in Final Four history to start five freshmen, the Michigan Wolverines appeared in back-to-back NCAA Championship games. In 1994, Jalen was drafted in the first round by the Denver Nuggets. As a member of the Indiana Pacers, he appeared in three straight Eastern Conference finals and went to the NBA finals in 2000. While many basketball stars make the transition to the small screen after they hang up their basketball kicks, Jalen made the bold leap in the midst of his NBA career in 2002, becoming a multifaceted reporter and on-air personality for Fox Sports Net's famed Best Damn Sports Show Period. In 2000, Jalen established the Jalen Rose Foundation/Charitable Fund to create life-changing opportunities for underserved youth through the development of unique programs and the distribution of grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. Recently, the Detroit News recognized Jalen with the prestigious Michiganian of the Year Award in recognition of his excellence, courage, and philanthropy.