The Naismith Trophy Fast Facts

What: The Naismith Award is presented annually to the men's college basketball player of the year.

When & Where: The four finalists will be invited to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) dinner on April 3 in St. Louis , where the winner will be announced.

This year's recipient will also be recognized at the Naismith Awards Banquet on April 8 in Atlanta .

On the Web: www.naismithawards.com

About the Awards: The most prestigious trophy in college basketball, the Naismith was first awarded to Lew Alcindor in 1969. In 1983, the Naismith Awards also began recognizing the women's college basketball player of the year. The Awards further expanded in 1987 to honor the men's and women's college coaches of the year, the male and female high school players of the year, and, in 1988, the men's and women's college officials of the year.

Selection: In November, the Board of Selectors – comprised of coaches, administrators and media from across the country – selected the top 50 preseason candidates. In January, the top 50 list was narrowed to the top 30 based on performance. In mid-March, the Board will select the four finalists who will go to the final ballot. The winner is selected by a Board of Selectors vote, and, for the first time, fan input, which will account for 25% of the final decision this year.

Leadership: As the creator of the Naismith Awards, the Atlanta Tipoff Club was founded in 1956 and has since been armed with the mission of promoting the continued support for the game of basketball and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of those who make the game so exciting.

Sponsors: Cingular Wireless

Contact: Bret Kovacs , Atlanta Tipoff Club
404-586-8492, bkovacs@macoc.com