This annual award recognizes the outstanding individual player in The Tournament based on sportsmanship, ability and overall performance. Presented by the Sons of the American Legion, it is named in honor of Bill French who was an NJCAA All-American at Hutchinson and was selected to the 1960 All-Tournament team. He and his wife, Mary Kay, died in an automobile accident in 1968. A fan favorite during his playing days, Bill played prep basketball at Pretty Prairie before starring at Hutchinson and later at the University of Wyoming.
| WILLIAM B. FRENCH MVP AWARD | 1970-79 | |||
| PLAYER | COLLEGE | YEAR | |
| Thurlon Weaver | Three Rivers (MO) | 1979 | |
| Thomas Louden | Independence (KS) | 1978 | |
| Chester Giles | Independence (KS) | 1977 | |
| Kenny Davis | Southern Idaho | 1976 | |
| Bobby Miller | Western Texas | 1975 | |
| Connie White | Mercer County (NJ) | 1974 | |
| Melvin Weldon | Mercer County (NJ) | 1973 | |
| Bill Butler | Vincennes (IN) | 1972 | |
| Benny Clyde | Ellsworth (IA) | 1971 | |
| Andy Knowles | Moberly Area (MO) | 1970 | |