NBA Playoff Refs City Connections

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by wanja

One-third of the 36 2009 NBA second round referees are from the New York city (3), Philadelphia (6), and Chicago (3) areas. 3 of the 6 Philly refs are from the same high school (Cardinal O'Hara). St. Paul, Minnesota (2) is the only other area with more than 1. Local networking and mentoring has got to be a factor. Philly, New York and Chicago are also basketball hotbeds. Any other thoughts or interesting NBA ref observations?

Bavetta #27 New York
Callahan #24 Philly (Cardinal O'Hara)
Capers #19 Chicago
Joe Crawford #17 Philly (Cardinal O'Hara)
Dan Crawford #43 Chicago
Davis #34 Chicago
Forte #45 New York
Fraher #52 St. Paul
Javie #29 Philly
Fraher #52 St. Paul
Malloy #73 Philly (Cardinal O'Hara)
Washington #49 Philly
Wunderlich #18 Philly
Zarba #58 New York

I can only speak as to Joe Forte and Joe DeRosa. Forte was recruited by the NBA because of his ability as a men's college basketball and FIBA official. Joe DeRosa was already officiating women's college basketball at the D-I level and was observed at a women's college camp by an NBA officiating scout.

MTD, Sr.

[Raymond]

And Philly had a 7th member, Donaghy. Don't know which HS he went to.

His dad was a Final Four NCAA official.

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The cities that comprise Hampton Roads, VA currently has 3 officials: Tony Brothers, Leroy Richardson, and Olandis Poole. We also have 2 recently retired NBA officials, Nolan Fine and Jess Kersey.