Jersey Mike’s Signs on as Title Sponsor of the Naismith Trophy for College Player of the Year Awards

> “Jersey Mike’s has a long-standing tradition of high quality and dedication to excellence, which mirrors the attributes of the Naismith Trophy, and we couldn’t be more pleased to extend our partnership to continue honoring the best that college basketball has to offer,” said Eric Oberman, executive director, Atlanta Tipoff Club.

As a marketing partner, Jersey Mike’s will become the “Official Sub Sandwich” of the Naismith Awards, Naismith Trophy and the Atlanta Tipoff Club. Jersey Mike’s will also be the presenting sponsor of the Naismith Awards Fan Vote, which allows fan to cast a ballot for the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy and Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year awards. Additionally, Jersey Mike’s will become a sponsor of “A Trophy Life,” the Naismith Awards’ weekly podcast.

The Naismith Awards’ largest annual fundraiser, a celebrity golf tournament, will become the Naismith Awards Invitational presented by Jersey Mike’s.

> “Jersey Mike’s Founder Peter Cancro bought his first sub shop at age 17 with the help of a former football coach, so sports have played an important role in our history. Jersey Mike’s is proud to associate with the Naismith Trophy in recognizing these top-tier basketball athletes,” said Rich Hope, chief marketing officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc.

The Atlanta Tipoff Club will release the watch list for the Men’s Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy on Nov. 17, and the Women’s Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy watch list will be revealed on Nov. 19. The Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy watch lists for Girls High School Player of the Year and Boys High School Player of the Year will be announced on Nov. 10 and Nov. 12, respectively.

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 of 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, as well as lifetime achievement awards 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.

Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 2,500 locations open and under development nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread - the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflective in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit the Jersey Mike's website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.