ATLANTA (December 21, 2016) – On this day 125 years ago, Dr. James Naismith invented – and later coached – the game of basketball.  The Atlanta Tipoff Club, which since 1969 has honored his legacy by naming college basketball awards after him, today announced a multi-year agreement to make Werner Ladder the title sponsor of the Naismith College Coach of the Year Awards.  Additionally, Werner becomes the “official ladder of the Naismith Awards.”