One of the All-Time Great ACC Men’s Basketball Officials gone at age 89

Seemed to be one of those standard-bearer referees of the ACC Men’s Basketball games from back in the glory days…The late 1960’s, the 1970’s, and up until the mid-1980’s, this man was everywhere calling the ACC Men’s Basketball Games…To many, self included, he was ACC Royalty…Hank Nichols gone at age 89, and one of the best basketball officials in ACC history…With Hank Nichols and Lenny Wirtz, you were guaranteed plenty of great action, and entertainment was included, at no extra charge…When Karl Hess came along and they went with three officials instead of two, you really got a talking to, if you were a player, or a coach…ACC history-makers right there, and when you hear the name Hank Nichols, you automatically think of the best….And when you hear of Lenny or Karl, you might be inclined to have your thoughts go in some other sort of direction, but it is all good….

Hank Nichols is gone, and his name does carry clout….

from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Hank Nichols
1936-2026
Class of 2012

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame joins the basketball world in mourning the passing of Hank Nichols, the dean of college basketball referees. During a lengthy career, Nichols refereed six NCAA title games, 10 Final Fours and two Olympics, and influenced how games are called today through his work as the NCAA’s first national coordinator of officials. His legacy lives on at the Hall.

Nichols, 89, passed away on March 28, 2026.

more from X.com:
Hank Nichols, a HOF college basketball referee, has died at 89.

Nichols graduated from Villanova in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Villanova.

He was the first official to work with both the NIT and NCAA Championship Basketball Finals in a single year.
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Steve Lappas
@stlappas
·
Mar 28
Sad day !. Hank Nichols passed away. The first National Coordinator of Officiating for the NCAA. Reffed numerous NCAA championship games. Naismith Hall of Famer. Not many refs in there!!Gr8 man and friend. We would argue refs after games when I coached Villanova! lol the best