I started out in Phoenix and they wanted that before the former commish unless the former commish isn't the one that got "dismissed" then it would be the one before that. Depending on the situation, it really helps to receive the play. It just can't be stressed to the point where you are running away from plays that you should be officiating.
I will also say that Arizona has some of best mechanics (or used to have) for someone just starting. I've heard some people say that mechanics don't matter. They sure don't hurt anything.

straight-lined
 

An excellent example of this happened to Bennett Salvatore in tonight's Indiana-Detroit game. He was the Trail as Chauncey Billups was bringing the ball up the floor against very little pressure. Salvatore fell a little too far behind, and when Billups put his second hand close to the ball in front of his stomach, Salvatore thought he touched the ball with both hands (the replays showed that he clearly did not) and called a double dribble violation.
So even with only one player and an NBA referee, it happens.

Juulie
The NBA philosophy is that you need to be where you need to be and in right position to officiate. The right position ot officiate when the ball is in front court is on the baseline. ((I dont think NF would disagree too much on this) I would have a hard time understanding how you would be too far ahead of the play if you are on the endline when the ball has crossed the mid court line. If the ball is there there is less than 45' between the ball and the basket. Most players are between the basket and the ball... If you are standing on the baseline waiting for a play it always looks better than moving with a play or trailing it... I have seen that happen even in non-transition because an official was too slow, too lazy, etc.

So you're saying yes, it depends on where the other players are. In other words, on a fast break (which is where this thread started), the ball is up front, your generality doesn't apply, correct? At that time, you want to be ahead of the ball, but not by 45', right?

I think it comes down to this, in 2-person, be where you need to be to referee the game, based on the situation.

The NBA philosophy is based on new lead having very little responsibility for the press, in fact all 3-person systems the center has arch to arch in transition.

Juulie you are absoultely right on a fast break I would never expect a new lead to be 45' in front of the play.

If there's a ref 45' in front of the ball on a fast break, that means they never left the endline from the previous trip. ;)

Spoken like a father of two young children!