The Gene Bartow Award is presented annually to a current or former coach for his contributions to the game. It measures a coach’s win-loss record but also the impact he’s made on his players, school and community.

 

It’s name in honor of a legendary coach who compiled a 647-353 record, led Memphis State to the 1973 national title game, steered UCLA to the Final Four and started the University of Alabama-Birmingham program from scratch, building it into a postseason regular.

 

Bartow won four Sun Belt tournament and three regular season titles during his 17 years at UAB, leading the program to a 350-193 record and seven consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. 

 

He passed away in 2012 at age 81, following a two-year battle with stomach cancer.

 

The recipient of the 2023-24 award will be announced in April, in Phoenix, AZ site of the men's NCAA Basketball Championship.