Wooden Award Weekend

Wooden Award Weekend

Each year, the John R. Wooden Award presents its suite of historic trophies to the winners of the Wooden Award for the most outstanding basketball player in the United States, the Wooden Award All-America Team members, and the Wooden Award Legends of Coaching recipient. These honors are awarded during a televised presentation, followed by a celebratory dinner.

Wooden Award Weekend takes place in Los Angeles, California, the weekend after the NCAA Final Fours. Five top women and men Wooden Award All-America Team members are invited to participate in this prestigious event.

The weekend begins with the exclusive Players and Coaches “Duke’s Dinner”, named for Wooden Award founder Duke Llewellyn. This intimate gathering brings together the most outstanding players in the nation—both men and women—along with their coaches and parents for a private dinner in honor of their achievements and an opportunity to be together in a casual and intimate environment free of media and fans.

Wooden Award Friday is a day of celebration, starting with “Tommy’s Breakfast”, named for former co-chair Tommy Hawkins. This players-only breakfast provides honorees with the opportunity to learn from past Wooden Award recipients and gain insight into the legacy of John Wooden as both a player and a coach.

Later in the day, the Southern California Special Olympics program brings four teams of Special Olympics athletes to the Los Angeles Athletic Club (LAAC), where they are coached by Wooden Award All-America Team members and their coaches for two games on the John R. Wooden Award Court.

That evening, the Wooden Award Presentation Gala takes place in the LAAC Ballroom, welcoming an exclusive group of 200 invited guests. This televised event features the presentation of trophies and interviews with honorees, conducted by renowned sports anchors and hosts. ESPN, a long-time partner of the Wooden Award, produces the hour-long broadcast, showcasing the best collegiate basketball players and coaches from both the men’s and women’s game.

Following the televised ceremony, guests enjoy a celebratory dinner alongside the Wooden Award All-America Team members and their coaches. The evening concludes with the Wooden Award Sneaker Ball, a lively celebration held on the LAAC basketball court. This event, open to LAAC fans with an admission fee, features music, dancing, and a chance for attendees to celebrate with the players.

On Saturday, Wooden Award All-America Team members can take the opportunity to explore Los Angeles or return home. Often, the women’s Wooden Award winner and All-America Team members head directly to the WNBA Draft in New York City.