Matthew Kennedy Hall of Fame NBA

Matthew P. “Pat” Kennedy was one of the most respected referees of basketball’s early era and a member of the inaugural Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class in 1959. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1908, Kennedy became a prominent official during the formative years of organized basketball. He began officiating in 1928 at age 21, and worked nearly 4,000 games during his career. He worked major collegiate and professional contests and was particularly respected for his knowledge of the rules and his authoritative officiating style.

He worked for the NBA, NCAA, and Harlem Globetrotters and became well known for his intense, theatrical style of calling plays. His career came during a period when basketball was transitioning from its early regional roots into a nationally organized sport. Kennedy's contribution as an official was significant enough that he was selected for the Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the Referee category, recognizing his lasting influence on basketball officiating.

Kennedy's Awards and Honors

• Member of the first Basketball Hall of Fame class
• Recognized specifically for his career as a basketball referee
• Foundational figures who helped establish basketball as an organized sport
• Built a reputation as a knowledgeable and authoritative referee

NBA Position

NBA Referee (1928–1956)