Selection Process
Late October
Preseason Poll
- Committee creates Women’s and Men’s Top 50 lists.
January
Midseason Poll
- Committee narrows down to Top 25 candidates for both men and women.
- Players not on these lists are still eligible for the final ballot.
February
Late Season Poll
- Committee narrows down to Top 20 candidates for both men and women.
- Players not on Preseason, Midseason, or Late Season lists remain eligible for final ballot.
February
Certification
- Wooden Award office certifies players are making progress toward graduation and meet academic criteria (minimum 2.00 GPA).
End of February
National Ballot
- 15 men’s and 15 women’s candidates are selected by the National Advisory Board.
- Official ballot sent to nearly 1,300 voters.
- Results compiled by Deloitte LLP.
After the NCAA “Elite Eight”
All-American Announcement
- 10-player All-American teams (men and women) announced after the NCAA “Elite Eight.”
- Top players are invited to the Wooden Award presentation.
The weekend following the NCAA championship game
Award Presentation Banquet:
Winners receive a John R. Wooden Award trophy and the top five All America Team members receive a trophy.
Winner’s university receives a replica trophy.
All America Team members designated charities (official 501(c)(3)) receive a donation from the Wooden Award Foundation as a matching gift.
High School Player of the Year Award Presentation:
Awards given to top players in California’s CIF Southern Section and Los Angeles City divisions during Wooden Award Weekend.
Candidates for the John R. Wooden award Must meet the following criteria:
Candidates are selected based on their basketball skills, leadership, character, and academic integrity, reflecting Coach Wooden’s holistic approach to success.
Full-Time Student:
Must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited NCAA college or university.
Academic Achievement:
Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 since enrolling at their institution.
Character:
Must exhibit strength of character, both on and off the court.
Team Contribution:
Must contribute to their team’s overall success and effort.
Performance:
Must excel in both offense and defense. Performance is considered over the entire season, including regular-season, conference play, and tournament play.
Progress Toward Graduation:
Must be making progress toward their degree and graduation.