The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced Monday that UConn coach Jim Calhoun is one of three winners of The Mannie Jackson — Basketball's Human Spirit Award.

Calhoun will be honored along with Phoenix Suns guard Grant Hill and Dr. Richard Lapchick, founder and director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports, in a ceremony on Sept. 6 in Springfield, Mass.

"They have each greatly contributed to the improving of their communities and constituencies they serve," said John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame, in a released statement.

Award winners must meet certain criteria, including "embracing the core values of the game through hard work, dedication and resilience; striving to continuously improve the community they serve, and making an ongoing commitment to the others," according to the release.

Calhoun has championed many causes during his Hall of Fame coaching career. He's devoted time and money to cancer research and education, generating millions of dollars.

He serves as the honorary chairman for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. He's raised over $1 million for the Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare with his annual holiday food drive, providing over 1.6 million meals to needy families. Calhoun and wife, Pat, established the Calhoun Cardiology Research Fund in 1998.

Calhoun, Hill and Lapchick were chosen from a group of six finalists. Calhoun is representing the amateur ranks.

- Gavin Keefe