Meet Jeff Anderson, the 'High Knees Ref' Captivating College Basketball Fans

The veteran official has developed a social media following for his unique refereeing style.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Jeff Anderson, a college basketball referee known as the 'High Knees Ref', has developed a large social media following for his distinctive refereeing style of raising his knees high as he moves up and down the court. Anderson, a native of Rochester, New York, has officiated in the NCAA Tournament's Final Four for the past eight seasons and is considered one of the top officials in the sport.

Why it matters

Anderson's unique refereeing style and growing social media presence have made him a recognizable figure in the college basketball community, highlighting how referees can develop their own personal brands and fan followings in the modern sports landscape.

The details

Anderson began refereeing after his playing days at the junior college and Division III levels. He worked his way up through the high school and Division III ranks before joining the MAAC in 2002 and the Big East a couple years later. Anderson is now a fixture at the highest levels of college basketball, officiating games across the country. He says his high-stepping style helps take pressure off his knees and back.

  • Anderson has reffed in the NCAA Tournament's Final Four for the past eight seasons.
  • He joined the MAAC in 2002 and the Big East a couple years later.

The players

Jeff Anderson

A college basketball referee known as the 'High Knees Ref' who has developed a large social media following for his distinctive refereeing style.

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What they’re saying

“Social media is social media, that's where we are now. You just worry sometimes. There are some ruthless people out here. They love their teams. But, it's alright, I think it's funny. I've heard people say, 'He's doing it for attention,' I've heard all that, man. No, I'm not.”

— Jeff Anderson, College Basketball Referee (Hoops HQ)

“What it does is it takes pressure off the knees, for one, and pressure off the back. It actually works, it really works, man.”

— Jeff Anderson, College Basketball Referee (Hoops HQ)

The takeaway

Jeff Anderson's rise to fame as the 'High Knees Ref' showcases how college basketball officials can develop unique personal brands and cultivate fan followings in the digital age, even as they maintain their impartial roles on the court.