Renovation Continues the Tradition of Giving Back to the Local Community Amidst Naismith Awards’ Final Four Weekend Activities
Atlanta (Feb. 26, 2025) – The Atlanta Tipoff Club (ATOC) announced today a continuation of its community engagement program to modernize basketball infrastructure across major venues at two YMCAs that will leave a legacy following this year’s Women’s and Men’s Basketball Championships.
The North Brandon Family YMCA in Seffner, Fla., and the Davis-Scott Family YMCA in San Antonio are this year’s beneficiaries of a gymnasium renovation. The Naismith Awards continue to deepen its impact in the local basketball community of Final Four host cities by partnering with the organization where basketball originated – the YMCA – and supporting underserved communities.
Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts. Since then, basketball has grown exponentially to become a game played internationally. At the local level, the sport is played in YMCA gyms nationwide, encouraging physical activity and sportsmanship in youth. The Naismith Awards were created in 1969 and named after the game’s inventor.
“We’re delighted to contribute to the Tampa and San Antonio communities,” said Eric Oberman, president of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “Since basketball originated at the YMCA, this partnership aligns perfectly with our mission and will introduce more young people to our beloved sport. We take pride in what has become a yearly custom at the Final Four.”
The ATOC, administrators of the prestigious Naismith Awards for high school and college basketball, have expanded their gymnasium renovation program for the 2025 season to include gymnasiums at both Final Four host city locations for the first time, bringing the total number of facilities upgraded by the organization to seven. This initiative was launched in 2020 in Atlanta and continued with facility updates in New Orleans (2022), Houston (2023), and at separate times last year in Cleveland and Phoenix.
The renovation at the North Brandon facility includes refinishing the gymnasium floor, replacing glass backboards and wall pads, and applying fresh paint. This facility serves a community where 29.4% of families with children under 17 live in poverty, and 70% of children at a nearby school qualify for free and reduced lunch.
“The North Brandon Family YMCA is a community hub. We are grateful to ATOC and Naismith Awards for this refresh, which wouldn’t have been possible without them. We appreciate this partnership, which aligns so well with our priorities of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” noted Candace Culver, SVP of Community Partnerships, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.
The project at the Davis-Scott facility includes two new scoreboards, basketball goals, and a divider curtain. It aims to positively impact a community where 29% of households are below the poverty level, 29% of residents do not have a high school diploma, and the median household income is $33,780. The San Antonio Spurs are funding the new hoops through their charitable arm, Spurs Give.
“The Davis-Scott Family YMCA has long been a place where families, young athletes and community members come together to grow, learn, and thrive. This renovation will provide our youth with a high-quality space to develop their skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories. We are deeply grateful to the Atlanta Tipoff Club and the Spurs for their generous support in enhancing opportunities for our community,” said Whitney Holmes-Oliver, Davis-Scott Family YMCA Executive Director.
MOLECULE, the creator of cutting-edge sleep solutions favored by elite athletes, is a new partner of the ATOC, becoming the presenting sponsor for the Naismith Women’s and Men’s Defensive Player of the Year Awards as well as the Official Mattress Partner, and pledged financial support to assist with both renovations.
The renovations began earlier this month and will be unveiled on April 1, 2025, at the North Brandon Family YMCA and on April 5, 2025, at the Davis-Scott Family YMCA, in a special dedication ceremony with a youth basketball clinic. Former Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy winners, as well as current Naismith Awards finalists, will participate in the clinic.
###
Media Contacts:
Mallory Hadaway, Atlanta Tipoff Club
mallory.hadaway@naismithtrophy.com
(256) 682-0599
Shannon Gowen, YMCA of Greater San Antonio
shannong@ymcasatx.org
(913) 292-2111
Kiran Malik-Khan, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
Kiran.malik-khan@tampaymca.org
813-557-5370
ABOUT THE ATLANTA TIPOFF CLUB
Founded during the 1956-57 season, the Atlanta Tipoff Club is committed to promoting the game of basketball and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of those who make the game so exciting. The Atlanta Tipoff Club administers the Naismith Awards, the most prestigious national honors in all college and high school basketball. Named in honor of Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game of basketball, the family of Naismith Awards annually recognizes the most outstanding men’s and women’s college and high school basketball players and coaches. Other Naismith Awards are presented to the men’s and women’s college basketball defensive players of the year, and lifetime achievement awards are given to basketball officials and outstanding contributors to the game. UCLA’s Lew Alcindor received the first Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy in 1969, while the late Anne Donovan (Old Dominion) was the inaugural women’s recipient in 1983. Corporate partners of the Naismith Awards include AXIA Time, Jersey Mike’s, MOLECULE, Sharpie, and Werner Ladder. For more information, visit www.naismithtrophy.com.
ABOUT THE NORTH BRANDON YMCA
The North Brandon Family YMCA is a vibrant community center serving the Seffner, Mango, and Dover neighborhoods. As part of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, the facility is committed to strengthening the foundations of the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our state-of-the-art facility offers various programs and services for all ages, including aquatics, fitness classes, childcare, summer camps, and sports leagues. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the North Brandon Family YMCA strives to empower individuals and families to achieve their full potential in spirit, mind, and body. For more information about our programs or membership options, please visit www.tampaymca.org.
ABOUT THE DAVIS-SCOTT FAMILY YMCA
The Davis-Scott Family YMCA is a cornerstone of community wellness and development in San Antonio’s east side and one of eleven branches as part of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio Association. The association has served the community for nearly 150 years. The facility nurtures the potential of children by promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Our facility offers a comprehensive range of programs to serve individuals and families of all ages, including fitness classes, youth sports, afterschool care, senior activities, and community health initiatives. The Davis-Scott Family YMCA is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where members can grow, learn, and thrive together. We strive to positively impact the lives of those we serve, embodying the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. For more information, please visit www.ymcasatx.org.