DALLAS – Bethel College men’s basketball coach Mike Lightfoot will be honored at the Final Four® during the AT&T Guardians of the Game Awards Show on April 6.

This event features and honors the top players and coaches in all of men’s college basketball. Lightfoot will be honored for becoming the 18th quickest coach in all of basketball to reach 700 career wins. The evening will also feature the presentation of the 2014 Naismith Trophy given to the nation’s most outstanding player as well as appearances by the coaches in the NCAA® Championship Game.

In addition to coach and player of the year awards, the Big Man and Defensive Player of the Year awards are presented along with the prestigious NABC Guardians of the Game Pillar Awards.

The Guardians Awards recognizes National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) who exemplify one of the four Guardians of the Game core values. Each year outstanding NABC coaches from all levels will be honored for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the game, student-athletes and society.

Guardians of the Game is a national awareness and education program led by the NABC. The goal of the program is to focus attention on the positive aspects of basketball and the role coaches play in the lives of student-athletes, in addition to the contributions coaches make to their communities.

The Guardians of the Game program emphasizes four core values:

ADVOCACY– NABC coaches are advocates for the game of basketball, student-athletes, and coaches, providing leadership and guidance on issues affecting the basketball community.

The Advocacy award winner should exemplify the NABC’s commitment to taking a stand on issues critical to the integrity of the game. In addition, the winner should actively provide support and counsel for the best interests of the game, the individual, and society.

LEADERSHIP– NABC coaches provide moral and ethical leadership on issues affecting the game of basketball and society. Leadership on the court is an integral part of coaching. But leadership outside of the game, particularly guidance in the ethical arena, is even more critical for the advancement of basketball. This award winner should courageously guide others to maximize their potential.

SERVICE– NABC coaches serve as community leaders who help enhance their communities through civic involvement.

Most coaches are active in their community. But this award winner selflessly fives to those in need and gives the extra effort to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors through volunteerism and giving.

EDUCATION– NABC coaches are committed to continuing education and the development of their profession in order to be better mentors, teachers, and leaders.

The Education award will go to a coach dedicated to their own professional development, as well as that of their colleagues. Whether it is through continuing education programs and seminars, or teaching at various NABC events, the Education statuette will reward the coach that best mentors, teaches, and perpetuates the doctrine of the game.

For more information visit: http://www.nabc.org/awardsshow