CHICAGO, Ill. — Jalen Rose and two dozen students from the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy were in Chicago late last week for an experience of a lifetime. Jeep took care of their travel and then got them hooked up with tickets for Team USA’s exhibition game against Venezuela.

Thursday afternoon, Rose was a man of the people — out at the Navy Pier for an event with Jeep. He later shot hoops while standing in the back of a Wrangler, competed against Pacers star and USA Basketball team member Paul George, and he certainly ensured that the kids and visitors had a good time.

[Click here for a photo gallery]

Prior to George arriving, I spent some time in Jalen’s green room where we talked about a number of subjects. Rose, who played five and a half seasons with the Pacers, is now a studio analyst for ESPN/ABC‘s coverage of the NBA. He also co-hosts a daily show on ESPN Radio.

The @JRLADetroit Basketball Teams enjoying Chi-town from Willis Tower Sky Deck thanks to our amazing partner @Jeep! pic.twitter.com/YDADcYbFrC— JRLADetroit (@JRLADetroit) July 29, 2016

At Navy Pier celebrating the summer of @Jeep w/ Paul George & @JalenRose pic.twitter.com/n3CWT0VT1s— JRLADetroit (@JRLADetroit) July 30, 2016

Many thanks @Jeep for this amazing experience… Go TEAM USA @usabasketball! pic.twitter.com/YdSEuOxcLB— JRLADetroit (@JRLADetroit) July 30, 2016

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Topics Discussed:

* The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy

* Professional athletes using their platform to speak out

* Larry Bird’s makeover of the Pacers

* Writing a book

* Paul George in the conversation for NBA MVP?