Tom Abernethy had a dream!  Why continue to work a job that didn't fully use his gifts of basketball, love for kids, and making an impact on those in the community?  Tom left a lucrative job in commercial real estate and built the IBA in 1996 so he could pass on everything he learned throughout his life to kids.  Many people and circumstances helped shape him into the Coach he is today.

Losing his father and brother as a child, having success as a basketball player at IU, success in the NBA, being coached by Bobby Knight and being unsatisfied with fame and money have been just a few of the many pivotal moments in his life.  Tom's heart is seen in the way every child is encouraged, respected, and nurtured when they participate in any IBA program.