Tom Lopes.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

It was announced earlier this afternoon that Tom Lopes, who was both a Past Executive Director IAABO and the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association had passed away earlier in the day from a long illness.

Tom’s resume of officiating assignments is both extensive and impressive. He worked New Jersey State Championships, numerous Holiday Festivals, and NIT Championship games. For 20 consecutive years, Tom officiated in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, including three Final Fours. His conference assignments included the Northeast Conference (NEC), Southeastern Conference (SEC), BIG EAST, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), America East, Atlantic 10, Patriot League, and the Ivy League.

Among the highlights of his career, Tom was named Naismith College Official of the Year in 1997, one of the highest honors in collegiate officiating. He was awarded IAABO’s highest honor of Life Membership in 2001. In 2019, he received the prestigious NASO Gold Whistle Award, widely regarded as one of the top accolades in sports officiating. In recognition of his lasting impact on the game, Tom was inducted into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

MTD, Sr.