Guardians of the Game is a national awareness and education program of 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.
Leadership - NABC coaches provide moral and ethical leadership on issues affecting the game of basketball and society.
Service - NABC coaches serve as community leaders who help enhance their communities through civic involvement.
Education - NABC coaches are committed to continuing education and the development of their profession in order to be better mentors, teachers, and leaders.

EDUCATION
2002 John Wooden, UCLA
2003 Robert Murrey, USA Coaches Clinics
2004 Kevin McCarthy, State University of New York-Cobleskill
2005 Herb Magee, Philadelphia University
2006 Jim Burson, NABC President
2007 Gary Smith, University of Redlands
2008 Steve Moore, College of Wooster (presented by The Hartford)
2009 Claudie Mackey, Elizabeth City State University (presented by The Hartford)

ADVOCACY
2002 Ed Bilik, Springfield
2003 Jerry Krause, Gonzaga
2004 Don Showalter, Mid-Prairie High School
2005 Chris Mowry, Santa Fe CC
2006 Bill Leatherman, Bridgewater College
2007 Jud Heathcote, Michigan State University
2008 Pete Smith, Guerin Catholic HS - Noblesville, IN (Presented by DiGiorno)
2009 Mike Turner, Albion College

LEADERSHIP
2002 Dave Gavitt, Providence/Big East
2003 Lonnie Porter, Regis University
2004 Eddie Sutton, Oklahoma State
2005 Harry Statham, McKendree College
2006 Russell F. Booth, Glenwood City High School
2007 Steve Bankson, Baldwin-Wallace College
2008 C. Alan Rowe, Widener University
2009 George Blaney, University of Connecticut

SERVICE
2002 Ron Naclerio, Cardozo H.S. (N.Y.)
2003 Hal Smith, Malone College
2004 Bo Ryan, Wisconsin-Madison
2005 Bill Van Gundy, Genesee CC
2006 Jim Kessler, Grace College
2007 Richard Reed, Sacramento State University
2008 Dave Rose, Brigham Young University
2009 Ron Hunter, IUPUI