NBA OFFICIALS MEDIA GUIDE 2018-19
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
NBA OFFICIALS MEDIA GUIDE 2018-19
NBA COMMUNICATIONS CONTACTS
Tim Frank
Senior Vice President
League Operations Communications
(212) 407-8574
tfrank@nba.com
Jim LaBumbard
Senior Director
Team & Basketball Communications
(212) 407-8578
jlabumbard@nba.com
Peter Lagiovane
Senior Manager
Referee & Media Operations Communications
(212) 407-8537
plagiovane@nba.com
NBA OFFICIAL
The newly redesigned NBA Official (http://nba.com/official) is your source for the latest news
and information about the NBA officiating program.
The site features the NBA Rulebook, NBA Video Rulebook and NBA Replay Archive. In addition,
Last Two Minute Reports, referee game assignments and pool reporter transcripts are available.
For real-time rules clarifications, please follow NBA Official on Twitter @NBAOfficial.
NBA MEDIA CENTRAL
NBA Media Central (https://mediacentral.nba.com) is a password-protected website designed
for media who regularly cover the NBA.
Membership to the site includes easy access to box scores and statistics; team game notes; press
releases; credential timelines; team logos; head shots of players, coaches, referees and league exec-
utives; original content; and information about the WNBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League.
To register for the site, please visit https://mediacentral.nba.com/register/.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Referee Operations Profiles 4
2018-19 NBA Key Dates 15
Referee Hand Signals 16
2018-19 NBA Officiating Staff 20
Officials Profiles 22
NBA Officiating Program Highlights 88
New Playing Rules For 2018-19 Season 89
Official NBA Court Diagram 90
NBA Officials: Active Leaders 91
3
Referee Operations Profiles
2018-19 Season
4
Byron Spruell
President, League Operations
National Basketball Association
Byron Spruell started in his role as President, League Operations
in August 2016.
Spruell oversees critical league operations, including the Bas-
ketball Operations, Referee Operations and Basketball Strategy
& Analytics departments, as well as the processes regarding the
management of rule changes, the evaluation and training of game officials, and the enforcement of
conduct standards and discipline. He also collaborates with USA Basketball and the International
Basketball Federation (FIBA) to promote the global growth of the game.
Before joining the NBA, Spruell spent 20 years at Deloitte LLP, most recently as its Vice Chairman,
Central Region Market Leader. He spearheaded the firm’s client and business growth and strategic
positioning across 22 states consisting of 31 offices and more than 14,000 Deloitte professionals
in the region. He also served as Chicago Managing Principal, supervising talent and community
involvement initiatives in the local office.
Spruell has served on several charitable boards and committees, including World Business
Chicago and the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and is active in various
nonprofit organizations, including the United Way, Big Shoulders Fund and Chicago Urban
League. He is currently on the boards of the Museum of Science and Industry, Northwestern
Memorial HealthCare and Metropolitan Family Services in Chicago and the Jackie Robinson
Foundation in New York.
Spruell, who grew up in Cleveland, earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an
MBA in finance from the University of Notre Dame. He was an offensive lineman and co-captain
of the Fighting Irish’s football team and currently serves on the University’s Board of Trustees.
Spruell met his wife, Sedra, at Notre Dame. They have a son, Devyn, and a daughter, Aleah.
5
Michelle D. Johnson
Senior Vice President and Head of Referee Operations
National Basketball Association
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, a distinguished
1981 graduate of the Air Force Academy and one of the top
women’s basketball players in school history, is in her second year
as Senior Vice President and Head of Referee Operations. She di-
rects the NBA’s officiating program with responsibility for the
recruitment, training, development and evaluation of all referees.
Johnson joined the NBA in October 2017 after serving with distinction in various Air Force
assignments. Most recently, she spent four years as the Air Force Academy’s 19th superintendent
– the first woman to hold the position, which is equivalent to college president. Upon retirement
in August 2017, Johnson received the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious
service to the government in a duty of great responsibility.
A command pilot with more than 3,600 flight hours, Johnson was the Air Force aide to Presidents
George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton from 1992-94. She also served as the Air Force’s Director
of Public Affairs (2005-07), the Deputy Director for Information and Cyberspace Policy on the
Joint Staff (2007-09) and NATO’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence (2011-13),
among other positions.
Johnson’s tenure as the Academy’s superintendent marked her latest trailblazing accomplishment.
Previously, she was the Air Force’s first female cadet wing commander, first female Rhodes Scholar
(1981-83) and first female inductee into the CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame (2007).
She is now on the selection committee for the CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame.
A three-time basketball team captain and the second-leading scorer in school history, Johnson
was also the first woman inducted into the Air Force Sports Hall of Fame (inaugural class of 2007).
Her career scoring average of 17.6 points per game is the highest in school history.
Johnson and her husband, retired Air Force pilot John Hargreaves, have twin sons, Mitchell and
Preston.
6
Joe Borgia
Senior Vice President, Replay and Referee Operations
National Basketball Association
Joe Borgia has worked in Basketball and Referee Operations at the
NBA since 1999. He was the league’s Director of Referee
Development and Director of Officiating Programs and
Development prior to being named Vice President in 2008.
Borgia is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NBA
Replay Center. He spent two years testing equipment and assisting in the design of the facility. His
Referee Operations duties include creating training videos and interpreting the rules of the game
for officials, teams, broadcasters and media.
Borgia began his professional officiating career in 1978 at age 22, when he joined the staff of the
New York Pro-Am league. He spent eight years in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA)
before being hired to the NBA staff in 1988. He officiated 10 seasons before an injury forced him
to retire in 1998.
Borgia worked two of the most famous games in NBA history: the highest-scoring game (Detroit
at Denver 186-184 on Dec. 13, 1983) and the longest modern-day game (Seattle at Milwaukee,
which lasted five overtimes, on Nov. 9, 1989).
Borgia is the son of the late Sid Borgia, a legendary referee who officiated in the NBA for 20 years
beginning in 1946. Sid Borgia also served as supervisor of officials during the latter years of his
career and continued as an observer after retiring.
Borgia resides in New Jersey and St. Pete Beach, Fla. He and his wife, Linda, have a daughter,
Marisa, and a son, Matthew.
7
Monty McCutchen
Vice President, Head of Referee Development and Training
National Basketball Association
Monty McCutchen oversees the day-to-day management and
oncourt performance of all officials in the NBA officiating pro-
gram, which services the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League.
McCutchen assumed his current position in December 2017 af-
ter spending 25 seasons as an NBA official. One of the league’s
highest-rated and most respected referees, McCutchen officiated more than 1,400 regular-season
games and 169 playoff games. He refereed 16 games in the NBA Finals, most recently working
Game 3 of the 2017 championship series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State War-
riors.
Before joining the NBA, McCutchen served as a referee in the Continental Basketball Association
for four seasons. He officiated playoff games all four years, including the CBA Finals in his last
three seasons.
A native of San Angelo, Texas, McCutchen earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and
Speech Communication from the University of Texas at Arlington. McCutchen and his wife have
a son and a daughter.
8
George Toliver
Associate Vice President, Referee Development
NBA G League
George Toliver has been a member of the NBA’s Referee
Operations department since 2004.
Toliver worked 742 regular-season games over 15 seasons as an
NBA official. In addition, Toliver was a FIBA official from 1985-
2000. He officiated games in the 1995 European Championships,
1994 FIBA Basketball World Cup, 1993 World University Games, 1986 Sports Festival and 1984
Olympic Trials.
His officiating experience also includes a stint in the Chinese Basketball Association, one year
with the USBL, six years of college basketball and 11 years of high school basketball. He has also
conducted clinics in Germany, Greece, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and Poland.
Toliver earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a master’s degree in Education from
James Madison University. He played four seasons of basketball for JMU and was the team MVP
in 1971 and 1972. Toliver was an instructor at JMU, in addition to being the assistant baseball
coach from 1973-74 and assistant basketball coach from 1973-75. He was inducted into the James
Madison University Hall of Fame in 1991.
Toliver played four years of high school basketball at King George High School in Virginia,
earning All-State honors and playing the state championship game in 1969. He was inducted into
the King George Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
Toliver founded and served as general manager of the Harrisonburg (Va.) HEAT Girls Basketball
Club, which helped develop skills for girls ages 6-17.
His daughter, Washington Mystics guard Kristi Toliver, is a two-time WNBA All-Star, the 2012
WNBA Most Improved Player and a WNBA champion with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016.
9
Mark Wunderlich
Associate Vice President, Referee Operations
National Basketball Association
Mark Wunderlich is in his fifth season as a member of the NBA’s
Referee Development and Performance group.
He was an NBA official from 1999-2010, working 1,100
regular-season games and 80 playoff games, including two Finals
games. He also worked two NBA All-Star Games. Prior to joining
the NBA, Wunderlich was an official in the CBA from 1997-1999.
Wunderlich was inducted into the Delaware County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of
Fame in 2015.
10
Bernie Fryer
Manager, Referee Operations
National Basketball Association
Bernie Fryer is in his 45th year in the NBA and his fourth as a
member of the Referee Development and Performance group.
Fryer began his professional officiating career in the Los
Angeles Summer League in 1976 and was hired by the NBA in
1977, becoming the first former player to serve as an NBA official.
He worked 1,649 regular-season games and 145 playoff games, including 11 Finals games. He also
worked the 1998 All-Star Game as well as games in Japan, Russia and Germany.
In addition to his officiating experience, Fryer has served as NBA Vice President and Director of
Officials; NBA Assistant Director of Officials and Crew Chief Coordinator; and Referee
Development and Performance Adviser.
Fryer was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the seventh round of the 1972 NBA Draft. He never
played for the Suns, however, making his NBA debut with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1973. He
played 80 games for the Trail Blazers during the 1973–74 season and was named to the All-Rookie
Second Team after averaging 7.0 points and 3.5 assists per game. The following season, he split
time between the NBA’s New Orleans Jazz and the ABA’s Spirits of St. Louis before retiring in 1975.
Over his playing career, he averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.8 rebounds with the Trail Blazers
and Jazz in the NBA and 7.8 points, 2.9 assists and 2.4 rebounds in nine games for the Spirits in
the ABA.
Fryer is from Port Angeles, Wash., where he was a high school All-American in both football and
basketball. He attended Peninsula Junior College and Brigham Young University before joining
the NBA. He is a licensed instrument pilot and a certified diver and boat captain.
11Eddie F. Rush
Referee Development Performance Adviser
National Basketball Association
Eddie F. Rush is in his fourth season as a member of the
Referee Development and Performance group.
In 28 seasons as an NBA referee, Rush officiated 1,567 regular-
season games and 206 playoff games, including 13 Finals games.
He was a member of the crews that officiated the 1994 Japan Games
in Yokohama. He also worked the 2000 and 2008 NBA All-Star Games.
As a FIBA official for 12 years, his assignments included two FIBA Basketball World Cups (2002
in Indiana and 2006 in Japan). He was selected to work the bronze-medal game during the 2008
Olympics in Beijing.
Rush has four years of officiating experiencing in the CBA, where he worked playoff and
Finals games. Prior to that, he spent four years officiating at the collegiate level, working in both
the Mid-Eastern Athletic and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic conferences.
Rush holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Georgia State University (1983), where he played
basketball for two seasons. After graduating, Rush worked for three years in the financial planning
services industry as a licensed representative with investment firm Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Rush is the owner of the Atlanta-based company Twilight Productions 2, which promotes
concerts and comedy shows.
12Bennett Salvatore
Referee Development Performance Adviser
National Basketball Association
Bennett Salvatore is in his fifth season as a member of the
Referee Development and Performance group.
Salvatore worked 1,805 regular-season games over 33 seasons as
an NBA official. He also officiated 238 playoff games, including 25
Finals games.
His assignments included the 1993 and 2002 NBA All-Star Games, the 1993 McDonald’s
Championship in Munich, Germany, and the 1997 Mexico Challenge. Prior to joining the NBA,
Salvatore spent two years officiating in the CBA and 10 years officiating in high school.
Salvatore played baseball while attending C.W. Post. He was an All-County high school baseball
player and All-State football player at Stamford Catholic High School in Connecticut. He also
played basketball for three years.
Salvatore has long been active in the community. In 2014, he was honored by the Fairfield County
American Cancer Society as Philanthropist of the Year. He is currently involved with the Mickey
Lione Foundation. Salvatore is also a motivational speaker for many organizations.
13Joe Crawford
Referee Development Performance Director
National Basketball Association
Joey Crawford is in his fourth season as a member of the
Referee Development and Performance group.
Crawford was an NBA official for 39 years, officiating 2,556
regular-season games and 374 playoff games, including 50 Finals
games. He worked the 1986, 1992 and 2000 NBA All-Star Games, as well as the 1993 McDonald’s
Championship in Munich.
Prior to joining the NBA, Crawford officiated in the Eastern Basketball Association (which
became the CBA) and at the high school level in Pennsylvania.
Crawford graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, Pa., and is a member of
the school’s Hall of Fame. In 2008, Crawford earned a degree in Liberal Studies from Neumann
College.
His late father, Shag, and his brother, Jerry, were both longtime Major League Baseball umpires.
142018-19 NBA KEY DATES
September 7 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement (Springfield, MA)
September 21 First allowable date for players participating in preseason NBA Global
Games to report to their teams (no earlier than 11 a.m. local time)
September 22 Training Camps open for all teams participating in preseason NBA Global Games
September 24 First allowable date for all other veteran players to report to their teams (no earlier
than 11 a.m. local time)
September 25 Training Camps open for all other teams
September 28 NBA Preseason games begin
September 29 NBA Canada Series 2018, Portland Trail Blazers vs. Toronto Raptors (Vancouver)
October 5 NBA China Games 2018, Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Shanghai)
October 8 NBA China Games 2018, Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Shenzhen)
October 10 NBA Canada Series 2018, Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors (Montreal)
October 12 NBA Preseason ends
October 15 Rosters set for NBA Opening Day (5 p.m. ET)
October 16 Start of the 2018-19 NBA Regular Season (NBA Tip-Off 2018)
December 13 NBA Mexico City Games 2018, Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls (Mexico City)
December 15 NBA Mexico City Games 2018, Orlando Magic vs. Utah Jazz (Mexico City)
January 5 10-day contracts may now be signed
January 10 All contracts are guaranteed for the remainder of the season
January 15 Last day to sign NBA Two-Way contracts
January 17 NBA London Game 2019, New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards (London)
February 7 NBA Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET)
February 15-17 NBA All-Star 2019 (Charlotte, NC)
March 1 Playoff Eligibility Waiver Deadline
April 10-13 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Portsmouth, VA)
April 10 Regular Season ends
April 12 Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2019 (3 p.m. ET)
April 13 NBA Playoffs 2019 begin
April 21 NBA Early Entry Eligibility Deadline (11:59 p.m. ET)
April 29/April 30 Conference Semifinals begin (possible move up to April 27-28)
May 14 NBA Draft Lottery 2019 (Chicago)
May 14-15 Conference Finals begin (possible move up to May 12-13)
May 14-19 NBA Draft Combine 2019 (Chicago)
May 30 NBA Finals 2019 begin
June 10 NBA Draft Early Entry Entrant Withdrawal Deadline (5 p.m. ET)
June 16 The Finals 2019 latest possible date
June 20 NBA Draft 2019
15Referee Hand Signals
1617
18
19
2018-19 NBA OFFICIATING
STAFF
202018-19 NBA OFFICIATING STAFF
3 Nick Buchert 55 Bill Kennedy
4 Sean Wright 56 Mark Ayotte
5 Kane Fitzgerald 58 Josh Tiven
6 Tony Brown 59 Gary Zielinski*
7 Lauren Holtkamp* 60 James Williams
8 Marc Davis 61 Courtney Kirkland
10 Ron Garretson 62 JB DeRosa
11 Derrick Collins 63 Derek Richardson
12 CJ Washington 64 Justin Van Duyne
14 Ed Malloy 66 Haywoode Workman
15 Zach Zarba 67 Brandon Adair
16 David Guthrie 68 Jacyn Goble
17 Jonathan Sterling 71 Rodney Mott
18 Matt Boland 72 J.T. Orr
19 James Capers 73 Tre Maddox
20 Leroy Richardson 74 Curtis Blair
21 Dedric Taylor 77 Karl Lane
22 Bill Spooner#
23 Jason Phillips Non-Staff Officials
24 Mike Callahan 53 John Butler
25 Tony Brothers 57 Mousa Dagher
26 Pat Fraher 65 Nate Green
27 Mitchell Ervin 75 Ashley Moyer-Gleich
28 Kevin Scott 43 Matt Myers
29 Mark Lindsay 70 Phenizee Ransom
30 John Goble 76 Natalie Sago
31 Scott Wall 78 Evan Scott
32 Marat Kogut
33 Sean Corbin *Out for season
34 Kevin Cutler #Scheduled to return
35 Jason Goldenberg
36 Brent Barnaky Pronunciation Guide
37 Eric Dalen Brandon Adair (ah-dare)
38 Michael Smith Mark Ayotte (a-yacht)
39 Tyler Ford Brent Barnaky (barn-a-key)
40 Leon Wood Nick Buchert (buch-ert)
41 Ken Mauer Eric Dalen (day-len)
42 Eric Lewis Brian Forte (for-tay)
44 Brett Nansel Pat Fraher (fray-er)
45 Brian Forte Jacyn Goble (jay-son, go-bull)
46 Ben Taylor John Goble (go-bull)
47 Bennie Adams# Marat Kogut (mah-rot ko-gut)
48 Scott Foster Brett Nansel (nan-cell)
49 Tom Washington Gediminas Petraitis (gee-dim-ah-nas peh-trah-tis)
50 Gediminas Petraitis Scott Twardoski (tah-ward-ski)
51 Aaron Smith Justin Van Duyne (van-dine)
52 Scott Twardoski
54 Ray Acosta
212018-19 NBA Officials Profiles
22RAY ACOSTA #54
NBA Experience: 2nd season
Born: December 12, 1983 (Elizabeth, N.J.)
Resides: Lake Worth, Fla.
High School: Lake Worth (Lake Worth, Fla.)
College: Central Florida ’07
Ray Acosta is in his second season as a full-time NBA
official. He worked 34 regular-season games in his first FUN FACTS
season on staff in 2017-18. Acosta officiated for six years
Favorite TV Show: The Sopranos
in the NBA G League, working the All-Star Game and
Finals in 2017. Favorite Movie: Scarface
Favorite Musician: Michael Jackson
Acosta has 12 years of collegiate officiating experience in
Favorite Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad
the Sun Belt, Southern, American Athletic, Atlantic Sun,
Conference USA, Mid-Eastern Athletic and Big South Favorite Meal: Anything Italian
conferences. He officiated in the NCAA Tournament in Favorite App: Netflix
2016 and 2017.
Would Most Like To Visit: Fiji
Off the court, Acosta enjoys working out, traveling, go- Bucket List: Be in shark tank surrounded
by great white sharks in Australia
ing to the movies and attending concerts.
Hidden Talent: Dancing
23BRANDON ADAIR #67
NBA Experience: 1st season
Born: September 14, 1985 (Norfolk, Va.)
Resides: Virginia Beach, Va.
High School: Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va.)
College: Virginia Wesleyan
Brandon Adair is in his first season as an NBA official.
FUN FACTS
Adair has two years of experience working in the NBA
Favorite TV Show: The Fresh Prince of
G League and four years at the collegiate level in the Big Bel-Air
South, CIAA and ODAC conferences. He was also a high
Favorite Movie: The Pursuit of Happyness
school referee for seven years in Virginia.
Favorite Musician: Charlie Wilson
Adair was a standout basketball player at Princess Anne Favorite Book: David Baldacci books
High School in Virginia Beach, Va., and went on to play
Favorite Meal: Surf and turf
in college at Virginia Wesleyan. He played two seasons
of professional basketball in Germany. Favorite App: Wally
Would Most Like To Visit: Rome
In his free time, Adair works with the Big Brother pro-
Bucket List: Sky diving
gram at Bayside Elementary School in Virginia Beach, Va.
24BENNIE ADAMS #47
NBA Experience: 24th season
Born: April 8, 1967 (New Orleans, La.)
Resides: New Orleans, La.
High School: Eleanor McMain (New Orleans, La.)
College: Southern University ’90, M.S. ’93
Bennie Adams has worked 1,303 regular-season games
and 20 playoff games over 23 seasons as an NBA official. FUN FACTS
Adams officiated the 2015 Global Games Mexico City,
Favorite TV Show: Law & Order
the 2011 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles and the
2008 NBA Europe Live Tour. He was also a USA Basket- Favorite Movie: Forget Paris
ball official from 1995-2005. Favorite Musician: Prince
Favorite Book: Number: The Language of
He considers his memorable assignment to be a regu- Science
lar-season game between the Houston Rockets and the
Favorite Meal: Fried Louisiana shrimp &
Los Angeles Lakers on April 10, 2018. In that game, catfish and red beans & rice
32-year-old Lakers rookie Andre Ingram scored 19
Would Most Like To Visit: A remote trop-
points in his NBA debut after spending a decade in the ical island with wifi for only 1 hour daily
NBA G League.
Bucket List: Move to that island
Adams officiated in the CBA for three years. He has Hidden Talent: Cooking
three years of collegiate officiating experience in the
Southeastern, Ohio Valley, Atlantic Sun and Southwest-
ern Athletic conferences, and 10 years of high school officiating experience in Louisiana.
The New Orleans native has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mathematics from Southern
University. He is a former math instructor at Southern.
Adams and fellow NBA official Mitchell Ervin both graduated from Eleanor McMain High School
in New Orleans.
25MARK AYOTTE #56
NBA Experience: 15th season
Born: March 12, 1964 (Ishpening, Mich.)
Resides: Glendale, Ariz.
High School: Negaunee (Negaunee, Mich.)
College: Michigan Technological University ’87
Mark Ayotte has worked 836 regular-season games and
eight playoff games over 14 seasons as an NBA official. FUN FACTS
Before joining the NBA, Ayotte was a WNBA official for Favorite Movie: The Godfather
four years and a CBA official for three years. He spent
Favorite Musician: The Eagles
one year officiating in the NBA G League.
Favorite Book: Into Thin Air
Ayotte has 12 years of collegiate officiating experience, Favorite Meal: Filet mignon
having worked in the Pac-12, Big Sky and West Coast
Favorite App: Trailforks
conferences. He officiated in the Pac-12 Tournament
and the Big Sky Tournament, including the finals. Ayo- Would Most Like To Visit: Yellowstone
National Park
tte also was an official for the preseason and postseason
NIT. He has 10 years of high school officiating experi- Bucket List: American safari
ence in Arizona. Hidden Talent: Elk calling
Prior to becoming a professional basketball referee, Ayo-
tte worked as a Systems Design and Test Engineer with
AG Communication Systems.
Ayotte enjoys spending time with his fellow Yoopers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
26BRENT BARNAKY #36
NBA Experience: 9th season
Born: May 30, 1975 (Hamilton, Ohio)
Resides: Clearwater, Fla.
High School: Clearwater (Clearwater, Fla.)
College: University of Central Florida ’97;
Nova Southeastern Law School ’01
Brent Barnaky has worked 461 regular-season games
and three playoff games over eight seasons as an NBA FUN FACTS
official. He was a member of the crews that officiated the
Favorite TV Show: Designated Survivor
2014 NBA Global Games in London and Rio De Janiero.
Favorite Movie: For Love of the Game
Barnaky came to the NBA with 10 years of collegiate Favorite Musician: Chris Botti
officiating experience in several major conferences,
Favorite Book: Ego Is the Enemy
including the SEC, Big East and Conference USA. He
completed three years of postseason officiating in the Favorite Meal: Chicken parmesan
NIT (2008-10). He officiated the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Favorite App: FaceTime
NBA G League Playoffs, and the 2009 and 2010 NBA G
Would Most Like To Visit: Italy
League Finals.
Bucket List: Great Barrier Reef scuba dive
Barnaky says the most memorabale game he has officiat-
ed was when Kobe Bryant passed Michael Jordan on the
NBA’s all-time scoring list on Dec. 14, 2014, in Minnesota.
Before being hired to the NBA officiating staff, Barnaky was a civil trial lawyer. He remains in-
volved in pro bono work for public-at-large clients in need of legal services.
Barnaky and his wife have three children.
27CURTIS BLAIR #74
NBA Experience: 11th season
Born: September 24, 1970 (Roanoke, Va.)
Resides: Richmond, Va.
High School: Patrick Henry (Roanoke, Va.)
College: University of Richmond ’92
Curtis Blair has worked 541 regular-season games over
10 seasons as an NBA official. FUN FACTS
Favorite TV Show: Dexter
He has six seasons of NBA G League experience and ref-
ereed the 2008 NBA G League Finals. He also officiated Favorite Movie: Grease
in several collegiate conferences, including the ACC, At- Favorite Musician: K-Ci & JoJo
lantic 10 and the Colonial Athletic Association.
Favorite Meal: Lamb curry
The Virginia native graduated with a bachelor’s degree Would Most Like To Visit: Brazil
in Criminal Justice from the University of Richmond in Hidden Talent: Tennis
1992, where he was a member of the 1991 men’s basket-
ball team that upset Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament.
Blair was selected by the Houston Rockets in the second round of the 1992 NBA Draft. He played
professionally in Australia, Austria and Turkey.
28MATT BOLAND #18
NBA Experience: 16th season
Born: September 28, 1966 (Putnam, Conn.)
Resides: Manchester, Conn.
High School: Marianapolis Prep (Thompson, Conn.)
College: Quinebaug Valley ’90
Matt Boland has worked 875 regular-season games and
one playoff game over 15 seasons as an NBA official. He FUN FACTS
also officiated the 2016 NBA All-Star Game in Toronto.
Favorite TV Show: Seinfeld
Prior to joining the NBA, he spent seven years officiat- Favorite Movie: Tin Cup
ing in the CBA, including the 1999, 2000 and 2001 CBA Favorite Musician: Tom Petty
Finals. He also officiated for five years in the WNBA,
Favorite Book: High Performance Habits
highlighted by the 2002 and 2003 Finals, as well as two
years in the NBA G League, including the 2003 Finals. Favorite Meal: Pizza
Boland has five years of USBL officiating experience. Favorite App: Dark Sky
Would Most Like To Visit: Scotland
Boland officiated at the collegiate level for four years,
working in the MAAC, Ivy League and Ohio Valley Bucket List: Play golf at Augusta National
Conference, among others. He also has high school of-
ficiating experience in his home state of Connecticut,
where he refereed State Finals games in 1997 and 1998.
Boland served in the Connecticut National Guard from 1987-95. He was commissioned 2nd Lieu-
tenant in 1990 before being promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1992.
An accomplished golfer, Boland has competed in several PGA of America events and worked as a
PGA professional.
29TONY BROTHERS #25
NBA Experience: 25th season
Born: September 14, 1964 (Norfolk, Va.)
Resides: Smithfield, Va.
High School: Booker T. Washington (Norfolk, Va.)
College: Old Dominion University ’86
Tony Brothers has refereed 1,403 regular-season games
over 24 seasons as an NBA official. He has also worked FUN FACTS
127 playoff games, including eight Finals games. Broth-
Favorite TV Show: 24
ers officiated the 1996 Mexico Challenge, the 1999 Mc-
Donald’s Championship in Italy and the 2008 China Favorite Movie: Claudine
Games. Favorite Musician: Earth, Wind & Fire
Favorite Book: The Bible
His most memorable assignment was his first NBA Fi-
nals game: Game 2 of the 2012 Finals between the Mi- Favorite Meal: Fried croakers
ami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Favorite App: Spotify
Would Most Like To Visit: Israel
Prior to joining the NBA, Brothers spent four years of-
ficiating in the CBA, including three CBA Finals and a Hidden Talent: Cooking
CBA All-Star Game. Brothers also has seven years of
high school officiating experience in Virginia and one
year at the junior college level.
To honor his late mother, Dorothy Brothers, a former Bank of America executive, Brothers and
his wife co-founded the Still Hope Foundation, which seeks to assist single mothers in building a
strong, successful family unit by offering quality resources and supportive relationships.
Brothers attended Old Dominion University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Ad-
ministration and Management Information Systems.
30TONY BROWN #6
NBA Experience: 17th season
Born: January 4, 1967 (Marianna, Fla.)
Resides: Atlanta, Ga.
High School: Amos P. Godby (Tallahassee, Fla.)
College: Clark Atlanta University ’89
Tony Brown has officiated 954 regular-season games and
19 playoff games in 16 seasons as an NBA official. He also FUN FACTS
worked the 2018 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
Favorite TV Show: Sanford and Son
Prior to joining the NBA, he worked for four seasons Favorite Movie: Training Day
in both the NBA G League and CBA and three seasons Favorite Musician: Michael Jackson
in the WNBA. During that time, he refereed the 2002
Favorite Book: The Price of the Ticket
WNBA Finals, the 2002 WNBA All-Star Game and the
2001 CBA Finals. Would Most Like To Visit: Biyadhoo in
the Maldives
Brown attended Florida A&M before transferring to Hidden Talent: Scuba diving
Clark Atlanta University, where he received a bachelor’s
degree in Finance. In high school, Brown earned All-State
basketball honors at Amos P. Godby in Tallahassee, Fla.
31NICK BUCHERT #3
NBA Experience: 9th season
Born: April 17, 1983 (Orlando, Fla.)
Resides: Highland Park, Ill.
High School: University (Orlando, Fla.)
College: University of Phoenix
Nick Buchert has refereed 455 regular-season games
over eight seasons as an NBA official. He also worked the FUN FACTS
2014 Rising Stars during NBA All-Star in New Orleans.
Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones and
Walking Dead
Buchert owns nine years of collegiate officiating experi-
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
ence and four years in the NBA G League. He officiated
the 2010 NBA G League Finals and 2010 NBA G League Favorite Musician: David Gray
All-Star Game. Favorite Book: October Sky
Favorite Meal: Steak
Buchert enjoys traveling, cooking, collecting wine, work-
ing out and biking. He is also involved in the March of Favorite App: Bandsintown
Dimes Chicago. Would Most Like To Visit: Rome
Bucket List: Attend Super Bowl
32MIKE CALLAHAN #24
NBA Experience: 29th season
Born: April 7, 1959 (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Resides: Drexel Hill, Pa.
High School: Cardinal O’Hara (Springfield, Pa.)
Mike Callahan has officiated 1,567 regular-season games
over 28 seasons as an NBA official. He has also worked FUN FACTS
210 playoff games, including 20 Finals games.
Favorite TV Show: Homeland
Known as “Duke,” Callahan was a member of the crews Favorite Movie: The Fugitive
that officiated the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas Favorite Musician: Frank Sinatra
and the 1994 Mexico Challenge.
Favorite Meal: Pasta
The Philadelphia-born Callahan’s most memorable NBA Would Most Like To Visit: Rome
assignment came in 1990, when he officiated a game at
the Spectrum in Philadelphia for the first time.
Prior to joining the NBA, Callahan spent three years officiating in the CBA. His assignments in-
cluded the 1989 and 1990 CBA Finals.
Callahan helps run the Next Level Referee Training camp, which is held at Villanova University.
All proceeds from the camp go to local charities.
A member of the Cardinal O’Hara High School basketball team for four years, Callahan coached
the freshman basketball team after graduating. Fellow NBA official Ed Malloy also attended Car-
dinal O’Hara.
Callahan enjoys playing golf during his free time.
33JAMES CAPERS #19
NBA Experience: 24th season
Born: November 8, 1961 (Chicago, Ill.)
Resides: Chicago, Ill.
High School: Hales Franciscan (Chicago, Ill.)
College: Northern Illinois University ’84
James Capers has officiated 1,297 regular-season games
over 23 seasons as an NBA official. He has also worked FUN FACTS
121 playoff games, including eight Finals games. Capers
Favorite TV Show: : Black-ish
officiated the 2018 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
Favorite Movie: Malcolm X
Capers considers his most memorable NBA assignment Favorite Musician: Jill Scott
to be his first NBA Finals: Game 3 of the 2012 Finals be-
Favorite Book: The Shack
tween the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Favorite Meal: Summer BBQ with ribs, po-
tato salad, corn on the cob and baked beans
In addition to his NBA experience, Capers has six years
of CBA officiating experience, including three CBA Fi- Favorite App: Pandora
nals and two CBA All-Star Games. Bucket List: See Colosseum in Rome
Hidden Talent: Bid Wiz
Capers is the son of former NBA official James Capers Sr.
34DERRICK COLLINS #11
NBA Experience: 18th season
Born: July 15, 1965 (New Orleans, La.)
Resides: Slidell, La.
High School: Brother Martin (New Orleans, La.)
College: Xavier University (New Orleans) ’88
Derrick Collins has officiated 1,050 regular-season
games and 27 playoff games over 17 seasons as an NBA FUN FACTS
official.
Favorite TV Show: Martin
Before joining the NBA, he officiated five seasons in the Favorite Movie: Glory
CBA and three seasons in the WNBA, working the Fi- Favorite Musician: Bob Marley
nals in both leagues.
Favorite Book: The Bible
He has seven years of collegiate officiating experience in Favorite Meal: Gumbo
various conferences (Big 12, Sun Belt, Conference USA, Would Most Like To Visit: Africa
Southland, SEC, TAAC, OVC and SWAC). Collins also
Bucket List: Fly an airplane
officiated at the high school level in Louisiana.
Collins was a member of the Xavier University of Lou-
isiana basketball team for four seasons, earning Honorable Mention All-American honors. He
holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications.
Collins enjoys fishing, horseback riding, pool, weight training, bowling and golf.
35SEAN CORBIN #33
NBA Experience: 24th season
Born: March 18, 1966 (Baltimore, Md.)
Resides: Windermere, Fla.
High School: Towson Catholic (Towson, Md.)
College: Coppin State University ’90
Sean Corbin has officiated 1,310 regular-season games
and 79 playoff games over 23 years as an NBA official. FUN FACTS
He also worked the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Ve-
Favorite TV Show: CSI: Miami
gas and the 1999 Japan Games in Tokyo. Corbin officiat-
ed at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Favorite Movie: The Godfather and The
Godfather Part II
His most memorable NBA assignment was a triple-over- Favorite Musician: Brian Culbertson
time game between the Boston Celtics and the Vancou- Favorite Book: Quiet Strength
ver Grizzlies on Feb. 17, 1999.
Favorite Meal: Steak and lobster
Corbin’s résumé includes four years officiating in the Favorite App: News
CBA and nine years of collegiate officiating experience Would Most Like To Visit: Johannesburg
in the Big East, Southern, Southeastern, Mid-Eastern
Bucket List: Drive cross country in RV
Athletic and Metro Atlantic Athletic conferences. He
also has four years of high school officiating experience. Hidden Talent: Cooking
The Baltimore native played baseball and basketball at
Coppin State University and Towson Catholic High School.
36KEVIN CUTLER #34
NBA Experience: 9th season
Born: August 8, 1968 (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Resides: Lakewood, Calif.
High School: Ganesha (Pomona, Calif.)
College: Cal State Long Beach ’99;
M.S. at Cal State Dominguez Hills ’05
Kevin Cutler has officiated 443 regular-season games and
one playoff game in eight seasons as an NBA official. FUN FACTS
Favorite TV Show: Homicide: Life on the
His most memorable assignment was his first playoff Street
game, featuring the Houston Rockets and Minnesota
Favorite Musician: Luther Vandross
Timberwolves in a first-round series on April 21, 2018.
Favorite Book: Giant Steps
Cutler refereed for six seasons in the NBA G League, Favorite Meal: Chicken
working two Finals series and the 2018 All-Star Game.
Would Most Like To Visit: Africa
He also spent six years as a college basketball official, in-
cluding the 2009 NIT and the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Bucket List: Play 20 of the top 100 U.S.
golf courses
Cutler enjoys golfing, reading and spending time with Hidden Talent: Playing the trumpet
family.
37ERIC DALEN #37
NBA Experience: 11th season
Born: July 12, 1972 (Minnetonka, Minn.)
Resides: Cincinnati, Ohio
High School: Minnetonka (Minnetonka, Minn.)
College: University of Minnesota
Eric Dalen has officiated 512 regular-season games in
10 seasons as an NBA offical.
FUN FACTS
Favorite TV Show: NCIS
He considers his most memorable assignment to be his
Favorite Movie: We Were Soldiers
first game as a full-time staff official: Los Angeles Lak-
ers at Denver Nuggets on Nov. 1, 2008. Favorite Musician: Zac Brown
Favorite Meal: Chili
Prior to the NBA, Dalen worked five seasons in the
Favorite App: Netflix
NBA G League and officiated the 2008 NBA G League
All-Star Game and NBA G League Finals. He also offi- Would Most Like To Visit: Cruise
around the world
ciated for three years at the collegiate level in the SEC.
Bucket List: Take a ride in a fighter jet
Dalen was a two-year football letter-winner at the Uni-
versity of Minnesota, where he played tight end.
38MARC DAVIS #8
NBA Experience: 21st season
Born: December 13, 1967 (Chicago, Ill.)
Resides: Chicago, Ill.
High School: St. Ignatius Prep (Chicago, Ill.)
College: U.S. Naval Academy
Marc Davis has officiated 1,216 regular-season games
over 20 seasons as an NBA official. He has worked 118 FUN FACTS
playoff games, including 10 Finals games. He also offici-
Favorite TV Show: The Wire
ated the 2014 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans.
Favorite Movie: Glory
In addition to his NBA service, Davis has three years of Favorite Musician: John Coltrane
CBA and collegiate basketball officiating experience.
Favorite Book: Lonesome Dove
In 2000, the Chicago native was the recipient of the Favorite Meal: Fried chicken
Honorary Nate Humphries Award, an honor given by Favorite App: Cisco AnyConnect
the Chicago Public League Coaches Association in rec-
Would Most Like To Visit: Venice
ognition of enshrinement of an official into the Chicago
Public League Hall of Fame. Bucket List: Fly a helicopter along the
Chicago River
Davis is an avid outdoorsman.
39JB DEROSA #62
NBA Experience: 2nd season
Born: April 14, 1991 (Paducah, Ky.)
Resides: Canton, Ohio
High School: Glen Oak (Canton, Ohio)
College: Malone University ’13
JB DeRosa is in his second season as a full-time NBA
official. He worked 37 regular-season games during the FUN FACTS
2017-18 season. DeRosa officiated in the NBA G League
Favorite TV Show: The Big Bang Theory
for four years, working the Finals in 2016 and 2017.
Favorite Movie: Kingsman series
DeRosa has extensive collegiate officiating experience. Favorite Musician: Kenny Chesney
He worked men’s basketball in the Horizon, Ohio Valley,
Favorite Meal: Salmon and risotto
Southland, Big South and Atlantic Sun conferences as well
as Conference USA and the SEC from 2014-17. DeRosa Would Most Like To Visit: Jost Van
Dyke in Virgin Islands
also officiated women’s basketball in the Big East, Ameri-
can, Atlantic 10, Horizon, Mid-American, Summit, Ohio Bucket List: Play golf at Pebble Beach
Valley and Atlantic Sun conferences from 2009-13. Hidden Talent: Cooking
The son of former NBA official Joe DeRosa, JB started
refereeing in local CYO and recreational leagues in the Canton, Ohio, area at age 13. JB excelled in
track and field in high school and college.
During the offseason, he enjoys playing golf and traveling with his wife.
40MITCHELL ERVIN #27
NBA Experience: 4th season
Born: November 20, 1979 (New Orleans, La.)
Resides: New Orleans, La.
High School: Eleanor McMain (New Orleans, La.)
College: University of New Orleans ’02
Mitchell Ervin has officiated 140 regular-season games over
three seasons as an NBA referee. His most memorable assign- FUN FACTS
ment was his first game as a full-time NBA official, when the
Favorite TV Show: Power
Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry scored 53 points against
the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 31, 2015. Favorite Movie: Coming to America
Favorite Musician: Drake
Before joining the NBA, Ervin officiated in the NBA G League
Favorite Book: Think and Grow Rich
for four years, working the 2013, 2014 and 2015 NBA G League
Playoffs and the 2014 and 2015 NBA G League Finals. Ervin Favorite Meal: Gumbo
also officiated the 2014 NBA G League All-Star Game in his Favorite App: GroupMe
hometown of New Orleans.
Would Most Like To Visit: Whitsunday
Islands
Ervin’s résumé includes eight years of collegiate officiating ex-
Bucket List: Sky diving
perience, including stints in the Big 12, Conference USA, Big
South, Sun Belt, Southland and Southwestern Athletic confer-
ences. He also has six years of high school officiating experi-
ence in New Orleans and Houston.
Prior to becoming a professional basketball official, Ervin worked for the sports representation firm Sports-
West Football. He also served as a middle school physical education teacher and a football, basketball and
track coach.
Ervin graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and Exercise Physiology from
the University of New Orleans, where he was a walk-on member of the 1997-98 basketball team. At
Eleanor McMain High School (which fellow NBA official Bennie Adams also attended), Ervin was
an All-District point guard, leading his team to the 1997 state quarterfinals and earning All-State
Academic Honorable Mention honors.
41KANE FITZGERALD #5
NBA Experience: 10th season
Born: February 15, 1981 (Dover, N.J.)
Resides: Toms River, N.J.
High School: Sparta (Sparta, N.J.)
College: Centenary University (Hackettstown, N.J.) ’04
Kane Fitzgerald has officiated 571 regular-season games
and 23 playoff games in nine seasons as an NBA offi- FUN FACTS
cial. His most memorable assignment was Game 4 of the
Favorite TV Show: Hell on Wheels
2018 Western Conference Finals between the Golden
State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. Favorite Movie: Unforgiven
Favorite Musician: Bruce Springsteen
Prior to the NBA, Fitzgerald officiated in the NBA G
Favorite Book: Moby Dick
League for four years and the WNBA for two years. He
also refereed at the collegiate level for two years in the Favorite Meal: Spaghetti with meatballs
Ohio Valley, Atlantic Sun and Big South conferences. Favorite App: Pandora
Would Most Like To Visit: Alaska
At age 18, Fitzgerald started refereeing at the high school
level in New Jersey. Bucket List: U.S. road trip
Hidden Talent: Play piano
42TYLER FORD #39
NBA Experience: 4th season
Born: June 8, 1985 (Lima, Ohio)
Resides: Lafayette, Ind.
High School: Allen East (Lafayette, Ohio)
College: Ball State University, B.S. -’07, M.A. - ’09
Tyler Ford has refereed 169 regular-season games in three
seasons as an NBA official. He considers his most mem- FUN FACTS
orable assignment to be a dramatic game between the
Favorite TV Show: Homeland
Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz on Nov. 30, 2015.
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans
Before joining the NBA, Ford spent six seasons in the Favorite Musician: Old Dominion
NBA G League, where he officiated the 2015 NBA G
Favorite Book: Power of a Positive Team
League Finals and the 2014 NBA G League All-Star
Game. Favorite Meal: Steak
Favorite App: Twitter
Ford also spent four seasons officiating in the WNBA.
Would Most Like To Visit: Hawaii
He officiated Division I college basketball for three sea-
sons in the Big Ten, Mid-American Conference and Bucket List: Play Augusta National
Summit League.
The Ohio native served as the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports at Purdue University from
2009-15. Ford holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University in Sport Ad-
ministration.
He enjoys playing golf.
43BRIAN FORTE #45
NBA Experience: 12th season
Born: August 18, 1975 (Fairfax, Va.)
Resides: Smyrna, Ga.
High School: Westminster (Atlanta, Ga.)
College: Furman University ’99
Brian Forte has officiated 659 regular-season games and
17 playoff games over 11 seasons as an NBA official. FUN FACTS
Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad
Forte considers his most memorable assignment to be
his first playoff game: Brookyn Nets at Toronto Raptors Favorite Movie: The Godfather Part II
on April 19, 2014. Favorite Book: The Count of Monte Cristo
Favorite Meal: Sushi
Forte worked six seasons in the NBA G League, officiat-
ing two Finals series. He also officiated collegiately in the Favorite App: Netflix
SEC and Southern Conference, working the conference Would Most Like To Visit: Spain
tournament in both leagues in 2007. That same year, he
was selected to officiate the NCAA Tournament.
The son of former NBA referee Joe Forte, Brian received a bachelor’s degree in Computing and
Business from Furman University. He previously worked as a computer programmer.
44SCOTT FOSTER #48
NBA Experience: 25th season
Born: April 8, 1967 (Silver Spring, Md.)
Resides: Woodbine, Md.
High School: Magruder (Rockville, Md.)
College: University of Maryland ’93
Scott Foster has officiated 1,413 regular-season games
over 24 seasons as an NBA official. He has also refereed FUN FACTS
176 playoff games, including 18 Finals games.
Favorite TV Show: Shameless and Ozark
He was a member of the crew that officiated the 1996 Favorite Movie: Braveheart
Europe Tour in Germany and Spain. Foster also worked Favorite Musician: Darius Rucker
the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas.
Favorite Book: Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect
Foster considers his most memorable assignment to be Favorite Meal: Maryland blue crabs and
corn on the cob
Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles
Lakers and the Boston Celtics. He worked the game with Favorite App: PGA Tour Live
two of his mentors, Dan Crawford and Joey Crawford. Would Most Like To Visit: Italy
Bucket List: Play golf at Augusta National
In addition to his NBA service, Foster has two years of
CBA officiating experience, two years of collegiate offici- Hidden Talent: Body surfing
ating experience in the Southern and Big South confer-
ences, and six years of high school officiating experience
in Maryland.
45PAT FRAHER #26
NBA Experience: 18th season
Born: January 13, 1974 (St. Paul, Minn.)
Resides: Eagan, Minn.
High School: Hastings (Hastings, Minn.)
College: University of Minnesota ’97
Pat Fraher has officiated 1,041 regular-season games and
42 playoff games over 17 seasons as an NBA official. He FUN FACTS
also worked the 2015 NBA All-Star Game in New York.
Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
Before joining the NBA, Fraher officiated for seven Favorite Movie: Caddyshack
years in the CBA, where he worked the Finals and All- Favorite Musician: Billy Joel
Star Game. In addition, Fraher spent four years in the
Favorite Book: Purpose Driven Life
WNBA.
Favorite Meal: BBQ
Fraher also has two years of collegiate officiating experi- Favorite App: NBA (of course!)
ence with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
Would Most Like To Visit: Italy
and 10 years of experience as a high school official in his
home state of Minnesota. Bucket List: Play golf at Augusta National
and Pebble Beach
He attended the University of Minnesota, where he was Hidden Talent: Sleeping anywhere
awarded the Evans Scholarship and graduated with a
bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. At Hast-
ings High School in Minnesota, Fraher was a member of the football, basketball and golf teams.
46RON GARRETSON #10
NBA Experience: 32nd season
Born: July 1, 1958 (Long Beach, Calif.)
Resides: Gilbert, Ariz.
High School: Servite (Anaheim, Calif.)
College: Golden West Junior College ’79
Ron Garretson has officiated 1,904 regular-season games
over 31 seasons as an NBA official. He has also worked FUN FACTS
238 playoff games, including 11 Finals games.
Favorite TV Show: Mad Men
In addition, Garretson has two years of CBA officiating Favorite Movie: Braveheart
experience and two years of high school officiating ex- Favorite Musician: Freddie Mercury
perience in Arizona.
Favorite Book: The Bible
Garretson is the son of former NBA official Darell Gar- Favorite Meal: Steak
retson. Ron considers the first NBA game that he offi- Favorite App: Netflix
ciated with his father – Golden State Warriors vs. Phil-
Would Most Like To Visit: Kauai
adelphia 76ers in 1988 – to be his most memorable
assignment. Bucket List: Surf Kaanapali Alii in Maui
Hidden Talent: Playing pool
Ron earned his associate’s degree from Golden West Ju-
nior College. He played football and basketball at Servite
High School in Anaheim, Calif., and was recognized for his athletic achievements in 2000 when he
was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
He enjoys playing golf.
47JACYN GOBLE #68
NBA Experience: 3rd season
Born: February 22, 1981 (Miami, Fla.)
Resides: Miami, Fla.
High School: Coral Park Senior (Miami, Fla.)
College: Miami Dade Community College;
Florida International University
Jacyn Goble has officiated 80 regular-season games over
two seasons as an NBA referee. He also refereed 13 reg- FUN FACTS
ular-season NBA games as a non-staff official.
Favorite TV Show: Power
Before joining the NBA, Goble officiated for four years Favorite Movie: The Godfather
in the NBA G League, working the 2015 and 2016 G Favorite Musician: Marc Anthony
League Playoffs and the 2016 G League Finals.
Favorite Book: Pirates in Blue
Before becoming a full-time referee, Goble worked as Favorite Meal: Veal parmigiana
a police officer for the Miami-Dade Police Department Favorite App: Netflix
for 13 years.
Would Most Like To Visit: Tahiti
Goble’s brother, John, is in his 12th season as an NBA Bucket List: Roll own cigar in Cuba
official.
48JOHN GOBLE #30
NBA Experience: 12th season
Born: November 25, 1978 (Miami, Fla.)
Resides: Miami, Fla.
High School: Miami Senior (Miami, Fla.)
College: Florida International University ’01
John Goble has officiated 718 regular-season games over Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
11 seasons as an NBA referee. He has also worked 66 FUN FACTS
Favorite Movie: The Godfather
playoff games, including two Finals games.
Favorite Musician: Enjoys hip-hop, salsa
and reggaeton music
Before working in the NBA, Goble officiated for four
Favorite Meal: Skirt steak, black beans
seasons in the NBA G League and was selected to offici- and rice, fried plantains
ate the 2007 NBA G League Finals. He also officiated in
Favorite App: American Airlines
several collegiate conferences, including the SEC, where
he was a tournament official in 2006 and 2007. He also Would Most Like To Visit: Rome
worked in the Sunshine State Conference. Hidden Talent: Cuban coffee barista
Goble received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Educa-
tion from Florida International University. He worked
as an account executive and teacher before joining the NBA.
Goble’s brother, Jacyn, is in his third season as an NBA official.
49JASON GOLDENBERG #35
NBA Experience: 2nd season
Born: November 14, 1984 (Atlanta, Ga.)
Resides: Atlanta, Ga.
High School: Milton (Alpharetta, Ga.)
College: University of Georgia ’07
Jason Goldenberg is in his second season as a NBA of-
ficial. He worked 39 games during the 2017-18 season. FUN FACTS
Goldenberg worked four regular-season games and sev-
Favorite TV Show: Curb Your Enthusiasm
en preseason games as a non-staff official from 2015-17.
Favorite Movie: Tommy Boy
Before joining the NBA, Goldenberg officiated for five Favorite Musician: Red Hot Chili Peppers
years in the NBA G League, working the 2015 Finals.
Favorite Book: Ego Is the Enemy
Goldenberg has four seasons of collegiate conference offi- Favorite Meal: Chicken parmesan
ciating in the Big South, Southern and OVC conferences. Favorite App: NBA
Would Most Like To Visit: Australia
During the offseason, he enjoys traveling around the
world and experiencing new cultures, food and beaches. Bucket List: Sail around world in mega yacht
50DAVID GUTHRIE #16
NBA Experience: 14th season
Born: May 21, 1974 (Athens, Ga.)
Resides: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: W.A. Berry (Birmingham, Ala.)
College: North Carolina State ’99
David Guthrie has refereed 746 regular-season games in
13 seasons as an NBA official. He has also worked 34 FUN FACTS
playoff games, inlcuding one Finals game,
Favorite TV Show: The West Wing
He says his most memorable assignment was Game 2 of Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
the 2018 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers Favorite Musician: The Eagles
and the Golden State Warriors. Favorite Book: The Match
Favorite Meal: Steak, whipped potatoes
Before joining the NBA, Guthrie officiated in the NBA and broccoli
G League, CBA and New York City Pro Am. He worked
Favorite App: The Chive
the NBA G League playoffs from 2003-05 and the NBA
G League Finals in 2004 and 2005. Would Most Like To Visit: Hawaii
Bucket List: Play golf at Augusta National
Guthrie officiated at the collegiate level in the ACC, SEC, and Cypress Point
Colonial, Southern, OVC, ASUN, Big South and SWAC Hidden Talent: Hitting fungoes
conferences. He worked the 2003 and 2004 NCAA Tour-
naments.
Guthrie played minor league baseball in the Cincinnati Reds’ organization, with stints in Prince-
ton, W. Va.; Billings, Mont.; Charleston, W.Va.; and Chattanooga, Tenn.
He attended Southern Union Community College in Wadley, Ala., and North Carolina State Uni-
versity on baseball scholarships. Guthrie played baseball and basketball at W.A. Berry High School
in Birmingham, Ala.
Guthrie and his wife have two sons and a daughter.
51LAUREN HOLTKAMP #7
NBA Experience: 5th season
Born: November 24, 1980 (Jefferson City, Mo.)
Resides: Atlanta, Ga.
High School: Jefferson City (Jefferson City, Mo.)
College: Drury University ’03, M.S. ’04;
MDV from Emory University ’10
Lauren Holtkamp has officiated 205 regular-season
games over four seasons as an NBA referee. FUN FACTS
Favorite TV Show: Black Mirror
Holtkamp has six seasons of NBA G League experience
and worked the 2013 and 2014 NBA G League Finals. Favorite Musician: Florence and the Machine
She also officiated four seasons in the WNBA, including Favorite Book: Needful Things
the 2014 Conference Finals.
Favorite Meal: Breakfast
Holtkamp officiated in numerous collegiate conferences, Favorite App: Insight Timer
including the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East and Colo- Would Most Like To Visit: Greece
nial Athletic. She also refereed various FIBA competi-
Bucket List: Travel internationally
tions, including the 2010 World University Games and
the 2012 and 2013 FIBA Americas Championships. Hidden Talent: Creating ceramics
The Missouri native graduated with a bachelor’s degree
in Business Administration in 2003 and a master’s degree in Communication in 2004 from Drury
University, where she was a member of the 2003 women’s basketball team that competed for the
Division II National Championship. She went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Emory Uni-
versity in 2010.
She is married to NBA official Jonathan Sterling.
52You can also read
