Olympic refs go both ways

[wanja]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Actually Eddie Rush (from the NBA) has worked both sides. Not that it matters, because I do not care what FIBA does. To compare FIBA to other leagues is a little silly and not looking at the bigger picture with the NCAA or even the NBA/WNBA assignments.

There is probably more money on the line (for the outcome of just the basketball) with the NCAA or NBA as compared to a two week tournament that only happens every 4 years.

Peace

Its interesting that you mention NBA/WNBA assignments. Both the D-League and the WNBA are feeders for the NBA. The following WNBA refs have moved on to the NBA:
Mark Ayotte
Matt Boland
Tony Brown
Derrick Collins
Pat Fraher
Dee Kantner
Bill Kennedy
Courtney Kirkland
Ed Malloy
Tommy Nunez, Jr.
Violet Palmer
Jason Phillips
Eli Roe
Kurt Walker
Zach Zarba
Gary Zielinski

All of them did not stay -- e.g. Dee Kanter.

Silly? I don't think so. The professional money and pressure are issues. However, all of us that takes this seriously bring our own pressure to do well. If you screw up a big olympics game, a few people will know about it. I'll bet that Eddie Rush is very focused to put a good foot forward as a rep of the "best referees in the world". Also as the USA men and women team players will tell you, the level of play is no joke.