May 13, 2008

Washington, D.C. - The Georgetown University Athletics Department and the men's basketball program mourn the passing of former Hoya captain Tom Scates (AB'79).

Scates, who played under John Thompson, Jr. from 1975-76 to 1978-79, passed away after suffering a heart attack over the weekend.

A native of Alexandria, Va. and a graduate of St. Anthony's High School in Washington, D.C., Scates, a 6-11 center who wore #55, appeared in 90 games during his career. The Hoyas posted an 87-29 record during that time, advancing to two NCAA Tournaments and two National Invitation Tournaments, including the 1977-78 squad that reached the NIT Semifinals.

As a senior, he served as the team's captain on a Hoya team that went 24-5 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Scates was the first player in Georgetown men's basketball history to record at least 100 blocks in his career. Scates was credited with 116 rejections in 56 games (the statistic was started entering the 1977-78 season) and he ranks 13th all-time at Georgetown in that category.