Scott Beker has officially called time on an illustrious FIBA career that spanned two decades and saw him rise from local courts in Newcastle to the biggest stages in world basketball.
Beker retires from FIBA tournaments as one of the most experienced and respected referees in Australian basketball bringing a 20-year international career with FIBA to a close.
His distinguished journey included appearances at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Beker officiated at some of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the 2017 FIBA Asia Men’s Cup in Beirut and the 2015 Universiade Games in Korea.
Earlier milestones included the 2009 U19 Men’s World Cup, the 2007 U19 Women’s World Cup in China and the 2010 Stankovic Cup in China.
Growing up in Newcastle, NSW, Beker’s refereeing journey began almost by chance.
“I was just hanging around the local basketball stadium as a kid and just needed some pocket money one day and it just started from there” he recalls. “I just found that it came pretty easy to me and I just kept going with it,” said Beker.
What began as a side role evolved into a passion, then a profession, as he progressed through state and national pathways.
His NBL debut in 2000 marked the start of a career that would eventually make him one of the most capped referees in league history.
Years of hard work and professionalism through domestic pathways eventually granted Beker opportunities at the elite international level, an experience which Beker is forever grateful for.
Of all his achievements, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games which included officiating the USA powerhouse team in his first match stands out.
“I am proud to be selected to all these events, it's not something that I’ve ever taken for granted,” he added.
“That (Rio Olympics 2016) was a life’s work sort of being realised. From a very young age I’ve always had a love for the Olympic Games and when that became a realistic goal. It was just the culmination of so many years’ work and dreaming just to get there,” said Beker.
“Being able to referee the Americans at that level was, you know, that’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
From grassroots to Olympic Games and World Cups, Beker’s international career reflects his dedication and professionalism but also a love for the game. His influence will endure through the generations of referees he has mentored and inspired along the way.
“The most important thing for young referees in my mind is you’ve got to be yourself first,”
“You have got to be a good person, the sort of person people want to work with,” Beker said.
As the final whistle sounds on his international officiating journey, Scott Beker leaves behind a remarkable legacy. One of resilience and service to basketball at every level.
Beker will divert his talents into the education space and will pursue roles as an educator and mentor for the next generation of officials.
“I’ve already completed the international instructor's course. The next phase will be going into instructing in the short-term and then in the long term.”
