Hwang In-tae: The South Korean referee making history officiating in the NBA

CNN — Get ready for the ultimate courtside experience, where you witness incredible displays of athleticism and skill from the world’s top basketball players. But remember, every decision you make will be critiqued and analyzed endlessly. For Hwang In-tae, the first Asian staff referee in the NBA, this scrutiny is all part of the job. Hwang has come a long way since his university days in South Korea, where he impressed his friends with his dunking abilities. However, it was the keen eye of Shin Gi-rok, a fellow student at Busan University of Foreign Studies, that recognized Hwang’s potential for growth beyond showboating. “A player needs to focus on the game, not how he looks. You need to play humble, but he was doing dunks to show off,” Shin told CNN Sport. “I didn’t scold him, it was more like pointing out not to do that, that he should show his true hardworking self, instead of trying to look cool.” Unfortunately, Hwang’s dreams of playing basketball professionally didn’t pan out. His parents weren’t supportive of a playing career, and he wasn’t an outstanding player. Luckily, Hwang found inspiration in Shin, who had successfully transitioned into a career as a basketball referee. Hwang followed suit and worked his way up the ranks of global refereeing. In the upcoming 2023-24 season, he will make history as the first non-North American NBA staff referee. Shin, proud of his protégé’s accomplishments, urged Hwang not to give up on his dream. He witnessed Hwang’s struggles along the way, from cultural and financial obstacles to navigating a new environment, but Hwang persisted and became a full-time referee. After reaching this milestone, Hwang’s achievement as the first Asian referee in the NBA is truly remarkable. Hwang’s journey to the NBA aligns with the league’s initiative to recruit referees from around the world. Like discovering future NBA and WNBA stars, there is a scouting process to identify potential referees. Hwang, once a player in domestic amateur leagues, rapidly climbed the ranks to become a regular in the professional Korean Basketball League. He also officiated in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, including the women’s gold medal game between the US and Spain. His outstanding performance with FIBA caught the attention of the NBA, leading to his induction into the league’s education system. Hwang then refereed in the G League before finally earning a permanent position in the NBA and WNBA. Hwang’s story is a testament to the rigorous route the NBA establishes for aspiring referees. Only the most promising candidates are selected from global organizations and undergo intensive evaluation events. Those who excel are hired by the G League for further training and evaluation, eventually joining the NBA and WNBA. For Hwang, receiving a letter from the NBA was a dream come true. Refereeing, to him, is like an addiction, despite the challenges it presents. He strives for perfection but acknowledges that excellence is the best one can achieve. Shin, now a prominent official in international basketball, recalls giving advice to Hwang during his journey to become a top referee. Both referees have worked together on occasion, including at the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea. Shin believes that Hwang’s success will inspire others who aspire to become NBA referees. It’s a difficult path, but Hwang’s story provides hope for those who are willing to put in the work. Though their interactions have decreased over the years, Shin and Hwang continue to offer feedback to each other whenever possible. Through it all, Hwang’s unwavering passion for refereeing shines through. He handles games with professionalism, avoiding controversies with team staff and maintaining a strong presence on the court. This dedication has earned him respect at the amateur and professional levels, leading to his current position in the NBA. It’s clear that Hwang’s passion and hard work have paid off, paving the way for future Asian referees in the league.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.