Who are the recipients of the 2026 Joe Lapchick Character Award?

The recipients of the 2026 Joe Lapchick Character Award are Mike Brey, Lisa Bluder, Ernie Johnson, and James Jones.

When and where will the Joe Lapchick Character Award winners be honored?

The honorees will be celebrated at a luncheon on September 18 in New York.

What is the Joe Lapchick Character Award recognizing?

The Joe Lapchick Character Award recognizes individuals for demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship and ethical conduct, embodying the character traits of Joe Lapchick.

Home / Sports / Coaching Legends Honored for Character

Coaching Legends Honored for Character

4 Feb

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Summary

Four notable figures to receive the Joe Lapchick Character Award.
Award recognizes individuals for demonstrating Lapchick's character traits.
Honorees will be celebrated at a luncheon on September 18 in New York.

This year's Joe Lapchick Character Award recipients have been announced, recognizing outstanding individuals for their dedication to sportsmanship and ethical conduct. The honorees include decorated coaches Mike Brey and Lisa Bluder, veteran broadcaster Ernie Johnson, and James Jones.

Mike Brey, the winningest coach in Notre Dame history, led the team for 23 years with numerous NCAA tournament appearances. Lisa Bluder, recently retired after an illustrious 24-season tenure at Iowa, guided the Hawkeyes to two consecutive national championship games. She is the winningest coach in Big Ten history.

Ernie Johnson, a beloved host of "Inside the NBA" and an eight-time Emmy winner, has covered college basketball for 15 years. He was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2023. The quartet will be honored at a special luncheon on September 18 in New York.