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The Naismith Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in college basketball, presented annually to the most outstanding male and female players in the NCAA. Named after Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, the award has been a hallmark of excellence in the sport since its inception.
Beginning every year, after evaluating the performances of athletes, the Atlanta Tip-Off Club Board of Selectors chooses the top contenders. The selection process starts from an initial watchlist consisting of 50 players who are contenders before the season; this list is then pared down to 30 candidates for the award, typically at midseason. From there, 10 national semifinalists are selected, and then the board finally names four finalists from which the NCAA Player of the Year emerges.
Selecting the Winner
Judging by the Board of Selectors consists of leading journalists, coaches, and administrative team personnel who base the selection process on players' performances for the entire season. Of course, fans play a substantial role, contributing 25 percent of the final votes. Hence, a well-rounded selection is done, one that honors players who have impressed the experts but should also have gained admiration from the basketball fans all over the country.
History of the Naismith Trophy
The first Naismith Trophy was awarded to Lew Alcindor, later known as NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, of UCLA in 1969. The women's division was instituted in 1983 with the first award going to Anne Donovan of Old Dominion University.
The trophy itself is a masterpiece by the artist Marty C. Dawe, resident in Atlanta, and still stands as a symbol of national recognition for the best players in college basketball.
Other Naismith Awards
In 1982 the Atlanta Tipoff Club further broadened its scope in basketball when it gave the Outstanding Contribution Award to those who have made a great impact on college basketball. Then five years later, the Naismith College Coach of the Year Award was created. This was initially awarded to coaches whose teams were NCAA Division I tournament champions.
By 1989, the selection process was refined into the present-day style: a list of 25 coaches is compiled before being shortlisted into 4 finalists and finally a winner. In 1987, the Naismith High School Boys' Player of the Year Award was further recognized by the club, and Naismith Girls' Player of the Year Award rounded off this expansion. The Boys and Girls High School Coach of the Year Award came into being in 2008, while the Men's College Defensive Player of the Year Award and Women's College Defensive Player of the Year Award were created in 2018.
The Atlanta Tipoff Club and Its Purpose
Founded in the late 1950s, the Atlanta Tipoff Club was meant to unite the basketball fan and help develop basketball in the Atlanta metropolitan area and throughout the state of Georgia. The mission continues to be upheld today through various programs that promote excellence at all levels in the game while fostering the talent of youngsters.
2025 Naismith Award Finalists
Women's Player of the Year Finalists:
Lauren Betts (UCLA)
Paige Bueckers (UConn)
Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)
JuJu Watkins (Southern California)
Men's Player of the Year Finalists:
Johni Broome (Auburn)
Walter Clayton, Jr. (Florida)
Cooper Flagg (Duke)
Braden Smith (Purdue)
2025 Naismith Award Winner
Southern California’s JuJu Watkins was honored as the Naismith Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year, securing her place among the sport’s elite. The winner of the men's category is set to be announced on April 6.
