The Atlanta Tipoff Club (ATOC), a 501© (3) organization, was founded in 1956 as a way for Atlantans to celebrate the love and enjoyment of basketball. The organization’s mission is to promote and expand the passion, tradition and heritage of basketball, and honor those who have achieved excellence and positively impacted the game both locally and nationally. The Naismith Trophy was created in 1969 by the ATOC, and is awarded annually to the men’s and women’s most outstanding college basketball players. Our entire “family” of Naismith Awards recognizes accomplished athletes, coaches, officials, and contributors in high school and college basketball.