Griffin Claims Naismith Trophy
Oklahoma Sophomore Becomes Fourth Winner From Big 12 Conference

DETROIT (April 5, 2009) - University of Oklahoma sophomore Blake Griffin has been named the winner of the 2009 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Award presented by AT&T, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today.  He edged out DeJuan Blair (University of Pittsburgh), Tyler Hansbrough (University of North Carolina) and Hasheem Thabeet (University of Connecticut) in becoming the fourth current Big 12 conference winner of the award, and third this decade (Kevin Durant, University of Texas, 2007; T.J. Ford, University of Texas, 2003; Danny Manning, Kansas University, 1988 - Kansas was a member of the Big 8 at the time).

Griffin, the Big 12 Player of the Year, accepted the trophy from Barry Goheen, Atlanta Tipoff Club Chairman, David Christopher, AT&T's Chief Marketing Officer, Mobility & Consumer, and Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president, at the AT&T National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Guardians of the Game awards program earlier this evening.
 
Griffin was chosen by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country, in addition to fan voting via text message, which accounted for 25 percent of the final results - more than any other national college  basketball award. The board based its criteria on player performances this season. The vote was tabulated and certified by the accounting firm of Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP.  

"To achieve such great personal and team success yet remain humble and grounded speaks volumes about Blake's character," said Stokan.  "He is a worthy recipient of the Naismith Trophy, and we honor all of the finalists for their tremendous accomplishments throughout the year."

This season marks the 40th anniversary of the first Naismith Trophy, which was first presented to UCLA's Lew Alcindor, who is known today as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At the time, the Atlanta Tipoff Club, founded during the 1956-57 basketball season, was looking to create a national identity for its brand and created the award to honor the best basketball player in the nation. Alcindor, along with UCLA head coach John Wooden, flew to Atlanta in the spring of 1969 to receive the trophy.  Today, the Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T is regarded as the most prestigious national basketball award and is given annually to the men's college basketball player of the year.

"At AT&T, we are dedicated to bringing fans closer to their sports passions through our products and services," said Christopher. "We're glad to give fans an easy way to support the Naismith award nominees.  Since text voting counted 25 percent of the overall scores, we know their voices were heard -- loud and clear."

"This is a tremendous honor for Blake, and a deserved one," said Oklahoma head coach Jeff Capel.  "He was magnificent for us all season and everyone associated with our program is proud of what he's accomplished.  Blake has dedicated himself to the game of basketball like no other player I've coached and the results speak for themselves.  More impressive than his basketball ability, though, is his life approach and how he carries himself off the court.  Blake is a much better person than he is a basketball player."

A 6-10 forward, Griffin led the nation in rebounding (14.4 rpg) and double-doubles (30) while ranking second in field goal percentage (.654) and 11th in scoring (22.7 ppg).  He also averaged 2.3 assists and led the Sooners with 41 blocked shots.  His rebounding, double-double and field goal marks all set Oklahoma and Big 12 Conference single-season records.  The Oklahoma City native had 15 games of at least 20 points and 15 rebounds this year, more than doubling the previous league record of seven.  He led the Sooners to a 30-6 record and the South Regional final where they lost to North Carolina.

Other notable men's college player of the year winners include Ralph Sampson (1981-1983), Larry Bird (1979), Patrick Ewing (1985), Christian Laettner (1992) and last year's winner, Hansbrough.  For more information, visit www.naismithawards.com <http://www.macoc.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.macoc.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.naismithawards.com/> .

ABOUT THE ATLANTA TIPOFF CLUB

The Atlanta Tipoff Club, an Atlanta Sports Council property, is committed to promoting the game of basketball and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of those who make the game so exciting. The Atlanta Tipoff Club, founded during the 1956-57 season, has presented the Naismith Trophy every year since UCLA's Lew Alcindor first won the award in 1969.  Old Dominion's Anne Donovan won the inaugural Women's Naismith Trophy in 1983.

The Naismith Award has become an emblem of excellence for the game, recognizing the Men's and Women's College Basketball Player of the Year, Men's and Women's College Basketball Coach of the Year, as well as awards for outstanding achievement in high school basketball, officiating, and contribution to the game.

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