Legendary coach Dean Smith inspired generations of Americans – not just for his leadership on the basketball court, but also for his courage off the court and the values he embodied throughout his life.

Last year, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association recognized Dean Smith’s life and legacy by creating an award in his name – honoring basketball coaches who embody his spirit and his values (and his on-court success).

On Thursday, the USBWA announced that Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo will be the recipient of this year’s Dean Smith Award.

Read the full statement from the USBWA.

In 21 years at Michigan State, Tom Izzo has led the Spartans to 19 straight NCAA tournament appearances, seven Final Fours, and the 2000 NCAA title. He’s also actively involved in community and charitable causes – raising funds for Coaches vs. Cancer, Volunteers of America, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research, among many other things. He has won the Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award, the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award, and the USBWA’s Good Guy Award for his off-the-court work.

Said USBWA president Ed Graney: “Tom Izzo represents everything the Dean Smith Award stands for. Coach Izzo’s distinguished career and commitment to excellence represent the standards for which this award is defined, qualities Coach Smith held as paramount in making an impact on the lives of players on and off the court.”

Tom Izzo will receive the Dean Smith Award at a Michigan State home game later this season.

The Dean Smith Award was first established in 2015. The inaugural recipient was former Georgetown head coach John Thompson.

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