IRVING, Texas –  Tom Jernstedt was a great gentleman and a visionary who never sought the spotlight but was instrumental in making the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament what it is today. Tom had many other accomplishments during his long and distinguished career at the NCAA, and his impact was felt throughout college athletics, but he will always be remembered for the spectacular but always tasteful and measured growth of the NCAA Tournament and Final Four. Tom had a quiet command, was always the voice of reason in any room and possessed a sense of humor and humanity that provided the priceless gift of friendship to so many over the years. Tom’s steady hand, wisdom and perspective, as well as the trust he engendered, served him well as an advisor to the Men’s Basketball Selection Committee for decades.
 
I join countless others who knew the quality of Tom’s character and his generosity of spirit and who will miss him greatly. Every student-athlete and coach in this conference and in every other Division I conference who has participated or will participate in the NCAA Tournament or any other NCAA event owes Tom a great debt of gratitude. We convey our deepest condolences to his wife, Kris, his sons Derek and Cole and his daughter Jaci.