During his presidency, Obama took his love for basketball to new heights, going as far as having a full-sized basketball court installed at the White House. His basketball journey began in high school, where he was talented enough to make the varsity team at Punahou School in Hawaii.

Obama even contributed to his school’s state championship win in 1979, although he never pursued the sport professionally. Despite this, Obama remains a regular at basketball games, offering his opinions on the sport and connecting with both former and current NBA players.

Pickup Games at the White House

Throughout his presidency, Obama opened the doors of the White House for friendly pickup basketball games. He was known to invite prominent NBA players, including Chicago natives Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, and the legendary LeBron James, for a casual mix of professional athletes and some players who weren’t in the NBA.

These exclusive games, however, were often kept under wraps, with few getting to see the fun behind the scenes.

In celebration of Obama’s 49th birthday in 2012, he gathered a group of his basketball-loving friends for a special game at the White House. Wade, in an interview with Time Magazine, shared some insight into what it was like playing basketball with the president.

Obama’s Basketball Style: The “Smooth” Point Guard

Wade described Obama’s playing style as being very much in line with his personality, smooth and calculated. The former Miami Heat star explained that Obama often took on the role of point guard, focusing on passing the ball rather than shooting. “He was kind of like a point guard. He was passing a lot. He’s smooth—like he talks, like he walks,” Wade said.

During one memorable game, Wade even had the honor of assisting Obama when he scored the game-winning shot. “I passed it to him, and he hit the game-winning shot. That was cool,” Wade reflected.

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In May, Aramis announced Wade as the global ambassador for its newly launched scent, Intuition by Aramis, a modern interpretation of masculinity and style.

The brand officially introduced the fragrance this August with a series of celebratory events during the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, including a fireside conversation, a VIP dinner, and an immersive pop-up experience.

“Fragrance is all about how you present yourself to the world,” Wade said in a statement. “Your scent is part of your vibe, and Intuition truly levels up your scent game.”

The campaign will kick off with the C-Suite Men’s Luncheon on August 6 at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, Massachusetts. Sponsored by Aramis, the luncheon is an exclusive gathering of Black executives, leaders, and changemakers across industries.

Wade will headline the event with an intimate fireside chat, offering insight into his personal evolution, professional reinvention, and why he believes Intuition reflects today’s confident, self-aware man.

Immediately following the luncheon, Intuition by Aramis will debut its first-ever Pop-Up Sampling Experience at Pelican Bay. Open to the public on August 6 and 7, the pop-up promises a playful, sensory-driven experience where guests can explore the fragrance through interactive installations and curated storytelling.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be announcing Intuition by Aramis with the incomparable Dwyane Wade,” said Justin Boxford, Global Brand President of Estée Lauder & Aramis. “Dwyane is the epitome of modern masculinity, a visionary in family, fashion, and philanthropy. Through this collaboration, we’re honoring Aramis’ heritage while tapping into a new generation of fragrance consumers.”

With notes designed to evoke strength, style, and self-awareness, Intuition by Aramis is now available globally at major retailers, retailing at $95 for 50ml and $130 for 100ml.

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Now, their mission is coming to fruition, as the fund allocates $40,000 to support HBCU students pursuing ambitious goals in business.

Eight dedicated students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities will each receive $5,000, not merely as a financial aid, but as a strong affirmation of their potential.

These scholarships are not just any ordinary business grants, they are designed for students who aspire to leverage entrepreneurship as a means of effecting social change, uplifting their communities while forging their own paths.

For Carmelo Anthony, the inception of this fund arose from a moment of reflection. “We were witnessing a pivotal time in society and our community, and our country, and it was right in front of us, with the world watching,” Anthony shared.

“It was a moment where I had to ponder, ‘What do I want to contribute?’” That contemplation sparked meaningful discussions and ultimately led to action, bringing together three basketball icons under the belief that change is achievable through investing in the youth.

The Social Change Fund United is not acting in isolation. NBA and WNBA stars, including Candace Parker and CJ McCollum, have joined the cause, accompanied by advisors who are skilled at transforming vision into tangible impact.

The fund has already made significant strides, distributing over $182,000 in grants across 24 cities and supporting initiatives that confront injustice directly.

Yet, at its core, the fund is centered on individuals, students striving to overcome obstacles, families aspiring for brighter futures, and a collective of athletes utilizing their platforms for positive change.

Although the application period for this round has ended, the enthusiasm is just beginning. The winners will be announced on July 1, and their stories are sure to motivate even more young leaders to dream and take bold action.

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