THE FIVE STAR OFFICIALS STORY

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My interest in playing basketball began in my hometown of Orlando, Florida when I was in 2nd grade. I started participating in recreational leagues and attending my dad's YBOA summer basketball camps from 3rd grade until my sophomore year in high school.

My dad who has coached and trained players for over 30 years started seeing potential in me and began to train me in preparation for a potential basketball career. I played Middle School basketball and eventually became captain of my high school basketball team while setting several school records.

Although I graduated from high school with scholarship offers to play college basketball, our family collectively made the decision to wait an extra year to allow me to continue to grow and develop physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually. I continued to work out and train with my dad while also attending community college and working two jobs.

While traveling with my dad to one of his tournaments in Georgia, he introduced me to his referee assignor (college referee) who encouraged me to consider becoming a basketball referee. At the time, my goal was becoming a college basketball player. All I knew about basketball referees is they constantly get criticized and that wasn't appealing to me at all.  On the flight back home from Georgia, I gave it some more thought and the idea of becoming a basketball official grew on me more and more. 

Within a few days, I told my dad I wanted to explore officiating and he was fully on board with supporting this new endeavor. Because his entire career has been in the basketball industry, he reached out to several friends and colleagues in the officiating business. The first Zoom call was with Steve Anderson (NBA, FIBA, NCAA, and Olympic basketball referee). Steve shared his officiating journey with me and it intrigued me even more to become an official. My dad then scheduled a Zoom call with former NBA referee Marty McEachean. Marty furthered my appreciation for all of the opportunities and excitement available in pursuing a basketball officiating career. He also gave me an eye-opening insight into the journey that it entails. I was also able to have similar calls with current and former college basketball referees, each making a significant impact on decision to pursue this path.

Shortly after my 19th birthday, Steve Anderson gave me an opportunity to referee some local recreational league games. My first game in April, 2023 was on a half-court with an 8-foot rim. The little kids barely came to my waist but I was so nervous. In the weeks to come, I began to work on mechanics, floor positioning, and projecting my voice to communicate to players and coaches. 

As I improved, I began working many AAU and YBOA travel tournaments. I was so nervous during my first game and found myself flying down the court every play as if it was going to be my last game. While working a YBOA tournament, an Assignor for the ABA approached me and offered me the opportunity to officiate during the upcoming ABA semi-pro season. ABA uses a combination of NCAA and NBA rules along with their own very special rules. The ABA's unique rules along with the size and speed of players really helped me to push my boundaries and grow as an official.  

Later in the summer of 2023, Steve suggested I attend the ETA Basketball Officials Camp in Daytona Beach, led by former NBA referee, Eric Lewis. I registered and attended the camp and was amazed at the preparation and hard work it takes to become an elite basketball official. I realized there was a science to the craft and it involved mastering the rule book, watching and breaking down game film, perfecting mechanics and much more. The clinicians at the ETA Camp blew my mind. The group consisted of all NBA and NCAA D1 officials. For me, it was like being around Kobe, MJ and Lebron. It was one of the coolest experiences ever.

During the ETA Camp, I met the High School Referee Assignor for the Volusia County area, Alan Hannah. Alan is an awesome guy known for mentoring and supporting young basketball referees who desire to get better. He allowed me to officiate over the summer including the Stetson University Camp. I continued to learn and grow while working with outstanding officials during the camp.

In the Fall of 2023, I was able to attend one of the best officiating classes in the country at the University of Central Florida. The clinicians were amazing and focused on the importance of fundamentals and mastering the basics of officiating that will carry you for your whole career. 

At 19 years old, I entered my first official FHSAA high school season hoping to work some Freshmen or JV games. Instead, I worked the entire season at the Varsity Boys & Girls level including high profile games at the Villages, DME, and a televised ESPN game during the M.A.I.T. Tournament at Montverde Academy. The season included games in the A1 (Volusia County) and CFOA (Central Florida) Referee Associations as well multiple games in the Crew Chief position. I had the honor to learn from some great officials such as Will Bridgewater, Corey, Chip, David Howard, Courtney Styfurak, Steve Bruno, Curtis Blair, Harold Weaver, Curtis Kline, Lynn Walter, and more.

After the regular season, I was honored to learn that I would work the FHSAA District Tournament and made it all the way to the FHSAA Boys Regional Tournament. 

All of the help, support, and mentorship I have received in my first year of officiating has been humbling and inspired me to launch Five Star Officials.