The Naismith College Player of the Year Trophy is an annual award presented to the top male and female college basketball players in the United States. Named after James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, the trophy recognizes outstanding athletic performance, sportsmanship, and contributions to the game. The award is determined by a voting process that includes coaches, sportswriters, and former players. It is one of the most prestigious honors in college basketball, highlighting the achievements of players at both the NCAA Division I level and across various conferences.