NCAA Division I basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player explained

The Most Outstanding Player (MOP) is awarded to one player after the conclusion of the championship game of the NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments. The award is also often referred to as the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, referencing the conclusion of the Final Four semifinals and championship games.^[1] Accredited media members at the championship game vote on the award.

The players that win the award are predominantly members of the championship team. However, ten men and one woman have won it as players on the losing squad. On the men's side, Houston's Akeem Olajuwon was the last to do so in 1983, while Virginia's Dawn Staley was the only woman to do so in 1991.^[1]

One player's award has been officially vacated (not recognized) by the NCAA, while another player's was vacated but later restored. In 1971, Howard Porter won the award despite Villanova losing to UCLA in the championship game.^[2] Villanova later vacated their entire season.^[2] Meanwhile, Luke Hancock had his MOP award stripped when the NCAA vacated Louisville's 2013 national championship.^[3] His award was restored in 2019 when a lawsuit brought against the NCAA was settled, clearing his name of any wrongdoing in the team scandal.^[3]

Key

	Awarded a national player of the year award: Men – Sporting News; Oscar Robertson Trophy; Associated Press; NABC; UPI; Naismith; Wooden; Adolph Rupp Trophy; Helms Women – Wade; Associated Press; Naismith; Wooden; WBCA
	Team lost the championship game
Player (X)	Denotes the number of times the player has been awarded the MOP at that point
Italics	Award officially vacated by NCAA

Winners

Reference 1938–39 1939 Ohio State F 1939–40 1940 Indiana F [4] 1940–41 1941 Wisconsin F [5] 1941–42 1942 Stanford F [6] 1942–43 1943 Wyoming PG [7] 1943–44 1944 Utah SF / SG [8] 1944–45 1945 Oklahoma State C [9] 1945–46 1946 (2) Oklahoma State C 1946–47 1947 Holy Cross SF [10] 1947–48 1948 Kentucky C [11] 1948–49 1949 (2) Kentucky C 1949–50 1950 CCNY F [12] 1950–51 1951 No winner selected 1951–52 1952 Kansas C [13] 1952–53 1953 Kansas C [14] 1953–54 1954 La Salle SF [15] 1954–55 1955 San Francisco C [16] 1955–56 1956 Temple PG [17] 1956–57 1957 Kansas C [18] 1957–58 1958 Seattle SF [19] 1958–59 1959 West Virginia PG [20] 1959–60 1960 Ohio State PF [21] 1960–61 1961 (2) Ohio State PF [22] 1961–62 1962 Cincinnati C [23] 1962–63 1963 Duke SF / SG [24] 1963–64 1964 UCLA PG / SG [25] 1964–65 1965 Princeton SF [26] 1965–66 1966 Utah SF [27] 1966–67 1967 UCLA C [28] 1967–68 1968 (2) UCLA C 1968–69 1969 (3) UCLA C 1969–70 1970 UCLA PF [29] 1970–71 1971 Villanova PF / SF 1971–72 1972 UCLA C [30] 1972–73 1973 (2) UCLA C [31] 1973–74 1974 NC State SG [32] 1974–75 1975 UCLA PF / C [33] 1975–76 1976 Indiana C [34] 1976–77 1977 Marquette PG [35] 1977–78 1978 Kentucky SG / SF [36] 1978–79 1979 Michigan State PG [37] 1979–80 1980 Louisville SG [38] 1980–81 1981 Indiana PG [39] 1981–82 1982 North Carolina SF [40] 1982–83 1983 Houston C [41] 1983–84 1984 Georgetown C [42] 1984–85 1985 Villanova SF / PF [43] 1985–86 1986 Louisville C 1986–87 1987 Indiana PG [44] 1987–88 1988 Kansas PF [45] 1988–89 1989 Michigan SF [46] 1989–90 1990 UNLV SG [47] 1990–91 1991 Duke PF / C [48] 1991–92 1992 Duke PG [49] 1992–93 1993 North Carolina PG / SG [50] 1993–94 1994 Arkansas PF [51] 1994–95 1995 UCLA PF [52] 1995–96 1996 Kentucky PG / SG [53] 1996–97 1997 Arizona SG [54] 1997–98 1998 Kentucky PG / SG [55] 1998–99 1999 UConn SG [56] 1999–00 2000 Michigan State PG [57] 2000–01 2001 Duke SF [58] 2001–02 2002 Maryland PG / SG [59] 2002–03 2003 Syracuse SF / PF [60] 2003–04 2004 UConn C [61] 2004–05 2005 North Carolina PF [62] 2005–06 2006 Florida C [63] 2006–07 2007 Florida SF [64] 2007–08 2008 Kansas PG [65] 2008–09 2009 North Carolina SG [66] 2009–10 2010 Duke SF [67] 2010–11 2011 UConn PG [68] 2011–12 2012 Kentucky C [69] 2012–13 2013 Louisville SF 2013–14 2014 UConn PG [70] 2014–15 2015 Duke PG [71] 2015–16 2016 Villanova PG / SG [72] 2016–17 2017 North Carolina PG [73] 2017–18 2018 Villanova SG [74] 2018–19 2019 Virginia SG [75] 2019–20 2020 Tournament canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic[76] 2020–21 2021 Baylor PG [77] 2021–22 2022 Kansas SG [78] 2022–23 2023 UConn PF [79] 2023–24 2024 UConn PG / SG [80]

Reference 1938–39 No NCAA tournament 1939–40 1940–41 1941–42 1942–43 1943–44 1944–45 1945–46 1946–47 1947–48 1948–49 1949–50 1950–51 1951–52 1952–53 1953–54 1954–55 1955–56 1956–57 1957–58 1958–59 1959–60 1960–61 1961–62 1962–63 1963–64 1964–65 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982 Louisiana Tech F [81] 1982–83 1983 USC SF [82] 1983–84 1984 (2) USC SF [83] 1984–85 1985 Old Dominion F [84] 1985–86 1986 Texas F [85] 1986–87 1987 Tennessee G [86] 1987–88 1988 Louisiana Tech F [87] 1988–89 1989 Tennessee F [88] 1989–90 1990 Stanford PG [89] 1990–91 1991 Virginia PG [90] 1991–92 1992 Stanford G [91] 1992–93 1993 Texas Tech SG / SF [92] 1993–94 1994 North Carolina F [93] 1994–95 1995 UConn C [94] 1995–96 1996 Tennessee PG [95] 1996–97 1997 Tennessee SF [96] 1997–98 1998 (2) Tennessee SF [97] 1998–99 1999 Purdue G [98] 1999–00 2000 UConn PG [99] 2000–01 2001 Notre Dame PF / C [100] 2001–02 2002 UConn SF [101] 2002–03 2003 UConn PG / SG [102] 2003–04 2004 (2) UConn PG / SG [103] 2004–05 2005 Baylor SF [104] 2005–06 2006 Maryland PF / C [105] 2006–07 2007 Tennessee PF [106] 2007–08 2008 (2) Tennessee PF [107] 2008–09 2009 UConn C [108] 2009–10 2010 UConn PF [109] 2010–11 2011 Texas A&M PF / C [110] 2011–12 2012 Baylor C [111] 2012–13 2013 UConn PF [112] 2013–14 2014 (2) UConn PF 2014–15 2015 (3) UConn PF 2015–16 2016 (4) UConn PF 2016–17 2017 South Carolina C [113] 2017–18 2018 Notre Dame PG [114] 2018–19 2019 Baylor G [115] 2019–20 2020 Tournament canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic 2020–21 2021 Stanford SG [116] 2021–22 2022 South Carolina PF / C [117] 2022–23 2023 LSU PF [118] 2023–24 2024 South Carolina C [119]

• Olajuwon later changed his first name's spelling from Akeem to Hakeem to use the original Arabic spelling.^[120]
• Despite what some NCAA publications have printed many years later—that Kentucky's Bill Spivey won the 1951 award—no official vote occurred after the game and no player was officially presented as the winner.^{[121] [122]} A news article printed by the Lexington Herald-Leader on April 7, 1951, titled "What Happened To NCAA's MVP Award?" detailed this mysterious divergence of precedent.^[123] Reporter Ed Ashford wrote, "For 11 consecutive years a most valuable player was chosen after the NCAA basketball tournament. However this year, for some unexplained reason, no poll was taken and there was no MVP honored. Whether the authorities just forgot about it or decided to eliminate balloting for the honor is not known. If a poll had been taken, it is likely that Kentucky would have garnered its third MVP award in the last four years. Alex Groza won the honor in 1948 and 1949 while Bill Spivey and Shelby Linville would have been strong contenders for the award this year."^[123]
• Lew Alcindor later changed his named to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.^[124]
• Porter scored 25 points in a losing effort but was still named the MOP. However, he was later ruled ineligible for the honor because he had signed a professional contract with the ABA's Pittsburgh Condors during the middle of his senior year.^[2] The NCAA vacated both Porter's award and Villanova's entire season.^[2]
• Okafor graduated as a finance major in only three years.^[125] He was a senior academically in 2003–04, but was still considered a junior as it related to his athletic eligibility.^[125]
• Hancock had his MOP award stripped when the NCAA vacated Louisville's 2013 national championship.^[3] His award was restored in 2019 when a lawsuit brought against the NCAA was settled, clearing his name of any wrongdoing in the team scandal.^[3]

See also

• Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player Award – the equivalent award in NAIA men's basketball championships

Notes and References

1. Web site: Men's Final Four Most Outstanding Players from 1939 to present . Zach . Pekale . Welper . Brenden . April 9, 2024 . NCAA.com . . August 26, 2024.
2. News: Borzi. Pat. Ex-'Nova standout assaulted . . . May 22, 2007 . E08. Newspapers.com. August 26, 2024.
3. News: Berman. Mark. Hancock joins elite group in basketball arena rafters . . . December 11, 2019 . D3. Newspapers.com . August 26, 2024.
4. News: Indiana Wins Basketball Crown . . . March 31, 1940 . 33. Newspapers.com . August 26, 2024.
5. News: U.W. Cagers Defeat Cougars, 39–34 for U.S. Championship . . . March 30, 1941 . 26. Newspapers.com . August 26, 2024.
6. News: Indians Head Home With National Title . . . March 30, 1942 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 26, 2024.
7. Web site: Kenny Sailors – awards and honors . . 2024 . sports-reference.com . Sports Reference LLC . August 26, 2024.
8. News: 'Never Nervous Pervis' named MVP . . . April 1, 1986 . 9. Newspapers.com . August 26, 2024.
9. News: Oklahoma Aggies Defeat Carolina 43–40, Repeat As National Champs . . . March 27, 1946 . 2. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
10. News: Bealmear. Austin. Holy Cross Five Beats Oklahoma To Capture Title . . . March 26, 1947 . 18. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
11. News: Groza Is Key Man As U.K. Wins N.C.A.A. Title . . . March 28, 1949 . 13. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
12. News: Barrington. John. CCNY Nips Braves, 71–68, to Nab NCAA Crown . The Plainsman-News . . March 29, 1950 . 12. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
13. News: Lovellette Gets MVP Cage Award . . . March 27, 1952 . 7. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
14. News: Born Tops . Courier Journal . Louisville, Kentucky . March 19, 1953 . 24. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
15. News: Gola Paces LaSalle Win . . . March 22, 1954 . 4. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
16. News: Liska. Jerry. Bill Russell Named Most Valuable . Lexington Herald-Leader . Lexington, Kentucky . March 21, 1955 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
17. News: "King" Lear Named Most Valuable Player In NCAA Meet . . . March 25, 1956 . 15. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
18. News: Chamberlain Picked As Most Valuable In NCAA Tourney . Messenger-Inquirer . Owensboro, Kentucky . March 25, 1957 . 9. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
19. News: Baylor May Sign Up For Pro Basketball . . . March 25, 1958 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
20. News: West Best In Final Test . Courier Journal . Louisville, Kentucky . March 23, 1959 . 19 . Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
21. News: Lucas Named 'Most Valuable' In NCAA . Messenger-Inquirer . Owensboro, Kentucky . March 21, 1960 . 10. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
22. News: Bucks' Lucas Heads All-Tourney Team . Lexington Herald-Leader . Lexington, Kentucky . March 27, 1961 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
23. News: Sturgeon. Kelso. Hogue Prince Of Basketball Today . . . March 27, 1962 . 13. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
24. News: College Career Of Heyman Near End This Week . The Winchester Sun . . April 1, 1963 . 7. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
25. News: Hazzard MVP In NCAA Meet . Messenger-Inquirer . Owensboro, Kentucky . March 23, 1964 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
26. News: Bradley Wins 'Most Valuable' At NCAA Tourney . Messenger-Inquirer . Owensboro, Kentucky . March 22, 1965 . 7. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
27. News: Utah Loses Chambers . Courier Journal . Louisville, Kentucky . March 21, 1966 . 21. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
28. News: McGill. John. LewCLA Wins Again . Lexington Herald-Leader . Lexington, Kentucky . March 23, 1969 . 17. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
29. News: Sidney Wicks Not Pleased With Performance Against Jacksonville In NCAA Championship . The Paducah Sun . Paducah, Kentucky . March 25, 1970 . 11. Newspapers.com . August 27, 2024.
30. News: UCLA Outlasts Florida State, 81–76 . . . March 26, 1972 . 71. Newspapers.com . August 28, 2024.
31. News: 'We'll Be in Greensboro Next Year' . . . March 27, 1973 . 11. Newspapers.com . August 28, 2024.
32. News: Harris. Tommy. Wolfpack Whips Marquette To Win NCAA Championship . . . March 26, 1974 . 71. Newspapers.com . August 28, 2024.
33. News: Washington Named MVP . The Mayfield Messenger . . April 1, 1975 . 5. Newspapers.com . August 28, 2024.
34. News: Benson is MVP . Fremont News-Messenger . . March 30, 1976 . 12. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
35. News: Butch Lee Selected Tournament's MVP . The Bridgeport Post . Bridgeport, Connecticut . March 29, 1977 . 24. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
36. News: Givens leads all-NCAA team . The Index-Journal . . March 28, 1978 . 24. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
37. News: Cushman. Tom. Spartans' Magic Man Named MVP . . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . March 27, 1979 . 70. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
38. News: Griffith Takes Over, Cards Take Title . Crowley Post-Signal . . March 25, 1980 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
39. News: Juliano. Joe. Isiah Thomas Leads Indiana to NCAA Title With 63–50 Win Over Tar Heels . . . March 31, 1981 . 8. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
40. News: Tar Heels win Battle of New Orleans; Worthy pours in 28 to earn MVP honor . Bedford Times-Mail . . March 30, 1982 . 9. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
41. News: Olajuwon Named Tourney's MVP . . . April 5, 1983 . 23. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
42. News: MVP Ewing heads all-tourney team . . . April 3, 1984 . 12. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
43. News: Sizzling shooting leads Wildcats to title . . . April 2, 1985 . 29. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
44. News: Gothard. Jody. Smart travels from McKinley to MVP . L'Observateur . . April 5, 1987 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
45. News: Bock. Hal. Kansas stuns Sooners for title; Manning honored as MVP . . . April 5, 1988 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
46. News: Ryan. Joan. Imagine that: A new MVP named Rice . . . April 4, 1989 . 61. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
47. News: Maisel. Ivan. MVP Hunt sets pace as UNLV runs over Duke . . . April 3, 1990 . 30. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
48. News: Duke bedevils Kansas to win title . . . April 2, 1991 . 10. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
49. News: MVP honors go to Duke guard Hurley . . . April 7, 1992 . 23. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
50. News: Pucin. Diane. He learned how the Tar Heels win . The Philadelphia Inquirer . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . April 7, 1993 . 25. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
51. News: Lopresti. Mike. Relentless Razorbacks reign . . . April 5, 1994 . 25. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
52. News: O'Bannon: Edney the real MVP . . . April 4, 1995 . 23. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
53. News: Dougherty. Mike. Orange shot down by Delk . . . April 2, 1996 . 31. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
54. News: Bock. Hal. Simon named Final 4 MVP . . . April 1, 1997 . 14. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
55. News: Sheppard's Sacrifice Pays Off . . . April 1, 1998 . 15. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
56. News: Rip Hamilton . Hartford Courant . Hartford, Connecticut . April 15, 1999 . 202. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
57. News: Herman. Steve. Spartan seniors save best for last . . . April 4, 2000 . 8. Newspapers.com . August 29, 2024.
58. News: Lopresti. Mike. Blue Devils pass their final test . . . April 3, 2001 . 27. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
59. News: O'Connell. Jim. This time, Maryland seals the deal . . . April 1, 2002 . 18. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
60. News: Jensen. Mike. If this was it, then Anthony went out in style . The Philadelphia Inquirer . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . April 8, 2003 . E03. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
61. News: Lopresti. Mike. Huskies on top of the world . The Ithaca Journal . Ithaca, New York . April 6, 2004 . 13. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
62. News: King. Jason. May basks in moment . . . April 5, 2005 . 22. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
63. News: Florida dominates UCLA from opening whistle to claim national championship . . . April 4, 2006 . 4. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
64. News: Curtis. Dave. Unstoppable: Balanced Gators show the Buckeyes why they're still the nation's best team . . . April 3, 2007 . 32. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
65. News: Barnhouse. Wendell. Chalmers' shot goes down ... in history . . . April 8, 2008 . 38. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
66. News: Hofmann. Rich. Ellington leads the attack for the Tar Heels . Philadelphia Daily News . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . April 7, 2009 . 76. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
67. News: Singler most outstanding . The Kansas City Star . Kansas City, Missouri . April 6, 2010 . 22. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
68. News: Walker Named Most Outstanding Player . Hartford Courant . Hartford, Connecticut . April 5, 2011 . C08. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
69. News: No offense, but Davis got his point across. . . April 3, 2012 . C5. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
70. News: By leading UConn to title, Napier joins club of elite guards . Omaha World-Herald . Omaha, Nebraska . April 8, 2014 . 15. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
71. News: Timeline of NCAA championship game . . . April 7, 2015 . 15. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
72. News: Sielski. Mike. Fitting finish for No. 15 . The Philadelphia Inquirer . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . April 5, 2016 . D06. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
73. News: Beard. Aaron . Berry powers through injuries, missed shots . . . April 5, 2017 . C6. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
74. News: Russo. Ralph D. . DiVincenzo wins most outstanding . Madisonville Messenger . Madisonville, Kentucky . April 3, 2018 . B3. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
75. News: Gleeson. Scott . Guy, Virginia bounce back . . . April 10, 2019 . B2. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
76. News: Russo. Ralph D. . It's Madness: NCAA Tournaments canceled . . . March 13, 2020 . B1. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
77. News: Cantrelle. Brooke R. . Jared Butler named Most Outstanding Player in 2021 NCAA Men's Tournament . L'Observateur . Reserve, Louisiana . April 7, 2021 . 8. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
78. News: Guskey. Jordan . Title cements Agbaji's KU legacy . . . April 6, 2022 . B7. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
79. News: Beard. Aaron . Sanogo snags ball, MOP honors in NCAA title win . . . April 5, 2023 . B3. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
80. News: Carpenter. Bryant . UConn senior guard Tristen Newton named Most Outstanding Player of NCAA Final Four . . . April 10, 2024 . B1. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
81. News: McLain. Jim. Barmore: The best team ever . . . March 29, 1982 . 4. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
82. News: Miller is named MVP . The News-Star . . April 4, 1983 . 15. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
83. News: Experience pays for Lady Trojans . . . April 2, 1984 . 24. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
84. News: Old Dominion captures NCAA crown . . . April 1, 1985 . 34. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
85. News: Riggs. Randy. Clarissa Davis in control . . . November 23, 1986 . 68. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
86. News: Lady Vols finally win NCAA title . Okmulgee Daily Times . . March 31, 1987 . 7. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
87. News: McLain. Jim. Techsters take the title . The Times . Shreveport, Louisiana . April 4, 1988 . 11. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
88. News: Gordon glitters in Tacoma . . . April 30, 1989 . 340. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
89. News: Geracie. Bud. Team play helps Stanford to title . . . April 2, 1990 . 11. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
90. News: Missed free throws dash Virginia's hopes . . . April 1, 1991 . 30. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
91. News: Iowan helps Stanford women win second NCAA title in three years . . . April 6, 1992 . 15. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
92. News: Burns. Jane. Swoopes, Tech top Buckeyes for title . The Des Moines Register . Des Moines, Iowa . April 5, 1993 . 19. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
93. News: Tar Heels claim title with buzzer-beater . . . April 4, 1994 . 20. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
94. News: Burns. Jane. Lobo savors the attention for a Final (Four) moment . The Des Moines Register . Des Moines, Iowa . April 3, 1995 . 18. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
95. News: Milbert. Neil. Tennessee coach's faith in Marciniak rewarded . . . April 2, 1996 . 196. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
96. News: Dobie. Michael. MVP Holdsclaw 'The Best' . . . March 30, 1997 . 608. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
97. News: Fitting coronation for 'Her Airness' . . . March 30, 1998 . 41. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
98. News: National champs honored . . . April 1, 1999 . 23. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
99. News: Engel. Mac. Versatile Ralph lifts Huskies . Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Fort Worth, Texas . April 3, 2000 . 31. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
100. News: Rutherford. Jeremy. Riley's confidence lifts Irish to title . . . April 2, 2001 . 35. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
101. News: Vertuno. Jim. Huskies could count on Cash . Record-Journal . Meriden, Connecticut . April 1, 2002 . 14. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
102. News: Schoffner. Chuck. UConn-quest . . . April 9, 2003 . 37. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
103. News: Fulkerson. Vickie. Taurasi, UConn Seniors Make It Three Straight National Titles . . . April 7, 2004 . 29. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
104. News: Mayer. Mercedes. Baylor's Young captures spotlight . Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Fort Worth, Texas . April 6, 2005 . 49. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
105. News: Mayer. Mercedes. Harper the top Terp . Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Fort Worth, Texas . April 5, 2006 . 56. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
106. News: Parker honored as MOP . Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Fort Worth, Texas . April 4, 2007 . 39. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
107. News: Feinberg. Doug. Parker leads Lady Vols to eighth championship . Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Fort Worth, Texas . April 9, 2008 . 38. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
108. News: Ackert. Kristie. UConn, U-R perfect . New York Daily News . Jersey City, New Jersey . April 8, 2009 . 55. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
109. News: Altavilla. John. Moore Named Most Outstanding Player . Hartford Courant . Hartford, Connecticut . April 7, 2010 . C05. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
110. News: Hersh. Phil. Star turns, big shots and rallies make game a show . Hartford Courant . Hartford, Connecticut . April 6, 2011 . 20. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
111. News: Baylor caps perfect season beating Irish . . . April 4, 2012 . 12. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
112. News: Feinberg. Doug. UConn's Stewart goes out on top . . . April 7, 2016 . B3. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
113. News: NCAA Women – Final Four Most Outstanding Player . . . April 3, 2017 . A07. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
114. News: A Happy Easter for Notre Dame . . Winston-Salem, North Carolina . April 2, 2018 . 15. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
115. News: Baylor claims third title . . . April 8, 2019 . 7. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
116. News: Armour. Nancy. Stanford's long, strange trip ends with national title . . . April 6, 2021 . B3. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
117. News: Stone. Augusta. Champs! South Carolina captures 2022 national title . . . April 5, 2022 . B4. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
118. News: Bieler. Des. LSU's Reese answers critics of taunt: 'I'm going to be me' . . . April 5, 2023 . B2. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
119. News: Bieler. Chapel. USC star Cardoso picked No. 3 overall in WNBA Draft . . . April 17, 2024 . B1. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
120. News: . March 11, 1991 . Akeem gets the 'H' back in his name . . . August 31, 2024.
121. News: Tournament MVPs . . . April 8, 2003 . 12. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024. 1951 – None selected.
122. News: NCAA Men's Tournament Final Four MVPs . The Philadelphia Inquirer . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . April 8, 2003 . E03. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024. 1951: None selected.
123. News: Ashford. Ed. What Happened To NCAA's MVP Award? . Lexington Herald-Leader . Lexington, Kentucky . April 7, 1951 . 6. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
124. News: Keidan. Bruce. Police Protection Fails to Lessen Faith in Religion . The Philadelphia Inquirer . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . February 13, 1973 . 13. Newspapers.com . August 31, 2024.
125. Web site: Driven and Kind . Hall . Claire . August 29, 2016 . UConn.edu . . August 25, 2024.