The Naismith Award is an annual award given to the best player in college basketball, it has both men’s and women’s categories. The award was founded by the Atlanta Tipoff Club (ATC) in 1969, it not only honors the best college basketball players but also coaches and referees, and recognizes the entire basketball community. The award is named after the creator of basketball, Dr. James Naismith. The process of selection is carried out by media reporters, coaches, and administrators who assess candidates based on their performance across the season. The award has expanded its categories over the years from the Naismith Award to awards like the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, the Naismith Lifetime Achievement Award for services to the game, and many more.
Some of the best players to receive the Award include Lew Alcindor in 1969, who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the legendary Michael Jordan in 1984. Tim Duncan received the award in 1997 before captaining the San Antonio Spurs and winning several championships. Kevin Durant in 2007, received numerous honors at Texas as a freshman, later becoming an NBA MVP. Most recently, Zion Williamson in 2019 won three state championships. These players, along with Anthony Davis in 2012 and Larry Bird in 1979, got a remarkable head-start winning the Naismith Award at the collegiate level.
Naismith Men's Official of the Year
The first Naismith Men's College Official of the Year Award was given in 1988, to recognize officials with 20 years or more experience who have worked in both, the NCAA Tournament and the conference tournament. The 2024 award recipient, Reggie Cofer, served as a Division I official from 1991-2005, officiating in top conferences and also the 2003 National Championship. He went on to become a coordinator of officials and was a member of the NCAA Mechanics Committee. After his death in 2023, the 2024-25 Men's Basketball Officiating Manual was dedicated to him.
Below is the year-by-year winner of the Naismith Men's Official of the Year recognition.
| Year | Men's Official of the Year |
| 2024 | Reggie Cofer |
| 2023 | Michael Stephens |
| 2022 | Dale Kelley |
| 2021 | Hank Nichols |
| 2020 | Mike Eades |
| 2019 | Bobby Dibler |
| 2018 | Jim "Boomer" Bain |
| 2017 | John Higgins |
| 2016 | Dick Cartmell |
| 2015 | Mike Sanzere |
| 2014 | Randy McCall |
| 2013 | Tom Eades |
| 2012 | Tom O'Neill |
| 2011 | Ed Corbett |
| 2010 | Anthony Greene |
| 2009 | Mike Kitts |
| 2008 | Scott Thornley |
| 2007 | John Cahill |
| 2006 | Steve Welmer |
| 2005 | Ted Valentine |
| 2004 | Bob Donato |
| 2003 | Mike Wood |
| 2002 | Larry Rose |
| 2001 | Ted Hillary |
| 2000 | Gerald Boudreaux |
| 1999 | Andre Pattillo |
| 1998 | Frank Scagliotta |
| 1997 | Tommy Lopes |
| 1996 | Dick Paparo |
| 1995 | Leonard Wirtz |
| 1994 | Tim Higgins |
| 1993 | James Burr |
| 1992 | Ed Hightower |
| 1991 | Don Rutledge |
| 1990 | Mickey Crowley |
| 1989 | John Clougherty |
| 1988 | Joe Forte |
FAQs on Naismith Award
A. The women's Naismith Award was first given in 1983 to Anne Donovan.
A. A panel of coaches, administrators, journalists, and fan votes determine the winner of the Naismith Award.
A. The Naismith watch list is a preseason list of 50 top college basketball players to watch.
A. The Naismith Award is awarded at the end of the college basketball season.
