The American Conference Men's Basketball Rookie of the Year is a basketball award given to the American Conference's one or more best men's basketball players in their first year of competitive play. The conference formed in 2013âÂÂ14 after many schools departed from the original Big East Conference to form their own conference. The conference was called the American Athletic Conference from its inception up until July 21, 2025, at which time it was formally rebranded. Austin Nichols of Memphis was the first-ever winner. This award is voted for by the coaches and can only be awarded once to any player.