Associated Press College Basketball Player Of The Year
For college basketball enthusiasts, the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year award is considered the most prestigious individual award given to college basketball players. This award is presented annually to the best college basketball player in America who has displayed excellent basketball skills, leadership qualities, and sportsmanship throughout the season.
History of the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year award
The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year award was first presented in 1961. Since then, it has been awarded to 47 different players, with some players winning the award multiple times. The award is presented after the playing season and is voted on by a panel of sportswriters from the United States.
Before the inception of the award, the Helms Athletic Foundation Player of the Year award was considered the most prestigious individual award for college basketball players from 1904 to 1978. The Helms Athletic Foundation handed out the award to the best college basketball player until it was dissolved in 1982.
How is the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year winner selected?
The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year winner is selected by a panel of sports writers who vote on the best player. The voting panel consists of over 60 sports writers from different states who regularly cover college basketball games.
The voting for the award takes place after the conclusion of the regular season and conference tournaments. The winner is announced during the week of the Final Four of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The winner is usually the player who has displayed exceptional basketball skills and has helped their team perform well throughout the season.
Notable winners of the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year award
Over the years, many notable college basketball players have won the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year award. Some of the most famous winners of the award include:
- Lew Alcindor (1967-69) - Later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he won the award three times while playing for UCLA.
- Bill Walton (1972-73) - Another legendary UCLA player, Walton won the award twice and led his team to two national championships.
- Michael Jordan (1984) - Jordan won the award in his sophomore year and later became one of the most famous basketball players of all time.
- Tim Duncan (1997) - Duncan won the award in his senior year and went on to win five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs.
- Anthony Davis (2012) - Davis won the award in his freshman year and led his team, Kentucky, to a national championship.
Other individual awards in college basketball
The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year award is not the only individual award given to college basketball players. Some of the other individual awards given to college basketball players include:
- John R. Wooden Award - Given annually to the most outstanding men's and women's college basketball players in the United States.
- Naismith College Player of the Year - Presented annually to the best men's and women's college basketball players in the United States.
- Bob Cousy Award - Presented annually to the best point guard in men's college basketball.
- Julius Erving Award - Presented annually to the top small forward in men's college basketball.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award - Presented annually to the top center in men's college basketball.
Conclusion
The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year award is a highly prestigious individual award given annually to the best college basketball player in America. The award has been presented to many legendary players over the years and is considered one of the highest honors a college basketball player can achieve.
