Naismith Trophy 2024 Voting: How you can vote and what is this year deadline to do it?

Named in honor of Dr. James Naismith, the creator of basketball, the Naismith Awards have been a symbol of excellence in the sport since 1969, when the first trophy was awarded to UCLA's Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Sculpted by Marty C. Dawe of Atlanta, the trophy is among the most prestigious national honors bestowed upon top basketball players annually. The Naismith Women's Player of the Year Award made its debut in 1983, presented to Anne Donovan of Old Dominion University.

Each year, the club's board compiles the "Naismith Watch" list, featuring the top 50 players to watch in men's and women's college basketball. Additionally, a list of 30 mid-season Naismith candidates is released. At season's end, the Naismith Trophy is awarded to the player of the year in men's and women's college basketball. A national voting academy of leading basketball coaches, s, and journalists selects four finalists based on player performance throughout the season, with the winner chosen by this group.

Who Votes on the Naismith Award?

In 1982, the Atlanta Tipoff Club introduced the Outstanding Contribution Award to recognize individuals who have positively impacted basketball. The Naismith Men's and Women's College Coach of the Year Award, established in 1987, underwent a change in selection criteria in 1989. Initially given to coaches of NCAA Division I Tournament Champions, the awards are now determined by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors. The process involves voting to compile a top 25 list of coaches for each award, which is then narrowed down to four finalists before the national winners are chosen.

In 1987, the Naismith Trophy Boys' and Girls' High School Player of the Year awards were established to honor the nation's best high school basketball players. Winners are selected from a top 10 list compiled by the board. The addition of the Naismith High School Boy's and Girl's Coach of the Year categories in 2008 further expanded recognition at the high school level.

In 2018, the Naismith Awards introduced the Men's and Women's College Defensive Player of the Year categories to recognize outstanding defensive performance in college basketball. Winners of the awards are announced during Naismith Awards Week, coinciding with the men's and women's Final Fours, providing a fitting culmination to the college basketball season.

You have a chance to make your voice heard and play a part in selecting the most exceptional college basketball players and coaches in the 2024 Naismith Fan Vote. Simply choose your preferred nominee in each category and click 'vote'. , you can cast your vote once every day (every 24 hours) in each category, so don't forget to return daily. Be sure to scroll down the page and cast your vote in all categories. The voting period concludes at 5:00 PM ET on April 2, 2024.