Realistic Golden Trophy Cup and Basketball Ball on Basketball Court

The Atlanta Tipoff Club, administrators of the Naismith Trophy,  announced the creation of a new college basketball award, and formed an agreement with a new presenting partner, Bona, leader in hardwood floor care and maintenance since 1919. The Naismith Defensive Player of the Year presented by Bona will annually recognize the most outstanding men’s and women’s college basketball player who excels on the defensive end of the court.  This new addition further bolsters the Naismith Awards family that features the Citizen Naismith Trophy College Players of the Year and Werner Ladder Naismith College Coaches of the Year awards, as well as honors for lifetime achievement and high school players and coaches of the year honors.

For decades, most professional and collegiate athletes have played on floors finished with Bona Sport waterborne finishes, sealers and paints. Bona provides the most complete system of sport products in the industry including waterborne and oil modified finishes, paint, machines, abrasives, adhesives and a fast, effective maintenance system.

“The Naismith Awards are an honored sports tradition we have admired for years. Bona is thrilled to now be part of the Naismith family,” said Tiffany Baird, brand manager, Bona US. “From 28 professional basketball floors such as the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, to a wide range of collegiate floors, to the men’s and women’s floors this weekend, Bona’s suite of products are the standard for durable and safe sport floors.”

The Naismith Defensive Player of the Year presented by Bona will recognize the top performers who excel in “protecting the rim” with a mid-season All-Defensive Team, as well as an end-of-season All- Defensive team.

The deal was structured by PSP Partner Marketing Executive Vice President Thom Hering in New York.

“Bona is recognized as a global leader in the installation and protection of hardwood floors, which creates a tremendous platform to activate in college basketball,” said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “We believe strongly in recognizing all facets of the game, and this partnership allows us to focus on defensive stalwarts, while also growing our tremendous family of awards and partners.”

An industry leader for nearly 100 years, Bona products are proven to be the most durable and beautiful finishes in the industry, Bona waterborne finishes are GREENGUARD GOLD certified for indoor air quality and Bona SuperCourt hardwood floor cleaners are Green Seal certified. From home to office to commercial buildings to gyms around the world, Bona innovates the best for beautiful hardwood floors.

The 2018 Naismith Defensive Men’s Player of the Year were announced on Sunday, April 1, 2018, at the Naismith Awards Brunch during the Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.