George T. Hepbron (August 27, 1864 – April 30, 1946[1]) was abasketballreferee. He is credited with writing the game's first book,How to Play Basketball, in 1904.[2][3]
Hepbron was born inStill Pond,Maryland. He was a close friend ofJames Naismith,[3] and subsequently played a major role in the early development of the game, especially in the area of rules. Hepbron held leadership roles with theAmateur Athletic Union Basketball Committee (1896) and the National Basketball Rules Committee (1915–1933).[4][2][3]
He died inNewark, New Jersey, and was enshrined in theNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1960 as a referee.[5]