2009 – Merv Lopes

Date: February 26, 2009
Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village
Keynote Speaker:  Anthony Munoz
Emcee:  Lance Takenaka

The late COACH MERV LOPES has built a reputation as one of the most brilliant minds in basketball.  He is most remembered for the numerous upsets over NCAA Division I teams, including SMU and Louisville.  And on December 23,1982, he led Chaminade to the biggest upset heard around the world by defeating No. 1 Virginia, 77-72 at the Blaisdell Arena.  Lopes prided himself on his ability to seek out talent not only from the mainland, but locally. Among those he coached were Will Pounds, Richard Haenisch, Tim Dunham, Tony Randolph and Mark Rodrigues.

A majority of his players came from the islands, and with his exciting style of play, made a lasting impact on Hawaii basketball.  Hired by Mike Vasconcellos, he held coaching positions at the high school level, before eventually making his mark as a Silversword.

Lopes is the winningest head coach in Chaminade men's basketball history.  During his 12-year career (1977-89), he compiled a 238-118 record and a .669 winning percentage, all school records.

Lopes passed away in May 2025.