Invisibility is the goal of the game official.  No matter how hard you try, sometimes the spotlight finds you.  

When it comes to the NBA Development League, more than just the players are looking for that break to get to the biggest stage.  Coaches are a part of the equation, as are media relations people and even referees can get upwardly mobile.

With the announcement this week about which chronicled Lauren Holtkamp’s ascension to be the third full-time female official ever in The Association, it’s easy to forget how broad the path to basketball’s highest level can be.

The USA Today article by Jeff Zillgitt spoke of Holtkamp carrying the mantle once toted by Dee Kantner and still in the hands Violet Palmer.  The former college basketball standout at Drury University has used the whistle in Sioux Falls on numerous occasions as a member of various D-League officiating crews.  The last of those assignments was the final Skyforce appearance at the Sioux Falls Arena in 2013 against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Zillgitt also mentioned in the article that the NBA has two other rookie officials on the roster. Both of them officiated multiple games this past season in Sioux Falls at the Sanford Pentagon.  Dedric Taylor and Justin Van Duyne both called regular season and playoff contests during the 2013-14 campaign.

Even some of the highest caliber officials can claim some NBADL experience as 28-year veteran Eddie F. Rush found his way to Sioux Falls in 2014 (February 9 & 11) for a pair of Skyforce games.

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(Dan Peters/KSOO)
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