Drexel University Athletics
Janet E. and Barry C. Burkholder Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2026
- Class:
- 1996
One of the most dominant student-athletes in Drexel men’s basketball history, Malik Rose stands as a cornerstone of the most successful era the program has ever known. A Philadelphia native, Rose starred for the Dragons from 1992–96 and helped lead Drexel to three consecutive conference championships and three straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 1994–96.
Rose’s impact reached its peak during the historic 1995–96 season, when Drexel recorded a school-record 27 wins, including a 15-game winning streak, and captured the North Atlantic Conference championship. The Dragons went on to defeat fifth-seeded Memphis, 75–63, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament—earning Drexel’s first and only NCAA Tournament victory to date.
Individually, Rose compiled one of the most prolific careers in program history. He finished with 2,024 career points, the third-most all-time at Drexel, and remains the school’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,504 boards. A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, Rose was named North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year in both 1995 and 1996 and earned Tournament Most Valuable Player honors in all three of Drexel’s championship runs. During his senior season, he averaged 20.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game.
Rose’s excellence earned national recognition, including UPI Third Team All-America honors and an Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention following the 1996 season. His jersey number was later retired and now hangs in the rafters of the Daskalakis Athletic Center.
Following his collegiate career, Rose was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 44th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He went on to enjoy a 13-year NBA career, including eight seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, where he won two NBA Championships and established himself as a respected veteran presence at the highest level of the game.
