The Naismith Trophy is awarded to the men's champion of the FIBA Basketball World Cup and is named in honor of basketball's inventor, James Naismith. It was first awarded at the 1967 FIBA World Championship, with the current version introduced at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. It's given for winning the FIBA Basketball World Cup and is presented by FIBA. Currently, Germany holds the trophy.
Since its inception in 1969, the Naismith Trophy has symbolized excellence and achievement in college basketball. Named after Dr. James Naismith, the trophy represents more than just individual talent—it embodies values like dedication, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Over the years, it has become synonymous with greatness, with each recipient joining an illustrious lineage of basketball legends.
2023 Men's Naismith Trophy Winner
In 2023, the Naismith Trophy winners were announced, with Kansas State's coach Jerome Tang named the Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s Coach of the Year. UCLA’s Jaylen Clark earned the Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year title. Purdue's standout center, Zach Edey, claimed the prestigious 2023 Naismith College Player of the Year award, showcasing excellence on the court.
Player of the Year: Zach Edey, Purdue
Zach Edey, Purdue's towering 7-foot-4 center, won the 2023 Naismith College Player of the Year award. Despite Purdue's surprising loss in the opening round of the 2023 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Edey's outstanding performance throughout the season earned him many awards. Averaging an impressive 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.5 assists per game with a remarkable 60.7% shooting accuracy, Edey's dominance on the court was clear. He recorded 27 double-doubles, becoming the first player in NCAA history to achieve 750 points, 400 rebounds, 70 blocks, and 50 assists in a single season. Edey's impact on Purdue's success was undeniable, making him the top player in college basketball for 2023.
Coach of the Year: Jerome Tang, Kansas State
Jerome Tang, Kansas State's head coach, won the 2023 Naismith Men's Coach of the Year award. In his first season leading the Wildcats, Tang guided the team to 26 wins, the third-highest in school history. Despite not winning the NCAA Tournament, Tang's leadership helped Kansas State reach the Elite Eight, a rare feat for a first-year head coach. Under Tang's guidance, Kansas State earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament's East Region, their second-highest ever. Tang's coaching and the team's achievements earned him the Naismith Coach of the Year award.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jaylen Clark, UCLA
Jaylen Clark of UCLA won the 2023 Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year award, a first for the Bruins. Clark's excellent defense was evident all season, leading all Pac-12 players in steals with 78. His defensive skills earned him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year earlier in the season. Clark's contributions were vital in UCLA's defensive success, leading the Pac-12 in the fewest points allowed per game. His hard work and performance made him the deserving recipient of the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award for 2023.
FAQ's On 2023 Men's Naismith Trophy Winner
A. Zach Edey from Purdue won the prestigious 2023 Naismith College Player of the Year award.
A. Zach Edey averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.5 assists per game with a 60.7% shooting accuracy.
A. Jerome Tang, the head coach of Kansas State, won the 2023 Naismith Men's Coach of the Year award.
A. Jaylen Clark from UCLA won the 2023 Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year award.
A. Jaylen Clark led all Pac-12 players in steals with 78 during the 2023 season.
