Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Basketball Coach Of The Year
The Atlantic Coast Conference, also known as the ACC, is a collegiate athletic conference composed of 15 member institutions located in the eastern United States. The conference has been around since 1953 and is known for its historic rivalries and intense basketball competition. Each year, one basketball coach is named the ACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year.
History of the Award
The ACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year award has been given out annually since the conference's inception in 1953. The award is voted on by the conference's 15 head coaches at the end of the regular season. The winner is announced just prior to the start of the ACC men's basketball tournament, which takes place in March.
Over the years, many legendary coaches have won the award, including Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, and Roy Williams. Some coaches have won the honor multiple times, such as Smith, who won it eight times, and Krzyzewski, who has won it five times.
Criteria for Winning
The winner of the ACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year award is not necessarily the coach of the team with the best record in the conference. The award is given to the coach who has most positively impacted his team's performance during the regular season.
The criteria for winning the award includes factors such as sportsmanship, coaching ability, and overall team performance. Coaches who have built successful programs over time and earned the respect of their colleagues and players are often favorites to win the award.
Recent Winners
In recent years, several coaches have stood out as particularly deserving of the ACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year award.
In 2020, Tony Bennett of the University of Virginia was named the Coach of the Year, after leading his team to a 11-5 conference record and a top seed in the ACC Tournament. He previously won the award in 2018, when he led his team to a NCAA championship title.
In 2019, Chris Mack of the University of Louisville won the award. Despite taking over a team with major NCAA violations and scholarship reductions, Mack led his team to a 20-13 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
In 2018, Bennett won the award for the first time. He led his team to a 17-1 conference record and a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. His team went on to win the national championship, making him one of the most successful coaches in recent ACC history.
Conclusion
The ACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year award is a prestigious honor that recognizes the top coach in one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the country. The award is given to the coach who has made the biggest impact on his team's performance during the regular season and has shown excellence in coaching ability, sportsmanship, and overall team performance. With a long history of legendary coaches and recent winners who have overcome adversity and built successful programs, the award is an important marker of success in the world of collegiate basketball.