"All Day" Long: Steve Burtt

Written by HoopsWorld

Sunday, 04 December 2005

Steve Burtt is as cool as chain nets on the playground. And he’s been there, done that- early years playing in New York, college ball at Iona, NBA journeyman (4 years in the NBA-drafted by Golden State in 1984, L.A. Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Washington Bullets, long before they were the Wizards, 4 years in Italy)- but more recently, Steve “All Day” Burtt is simply a coach. If you watch “ESPN’s Streetball- The AND 1 Mix Tape Tour” on the regular, it’s easy to spot him. He’s the one continuously barking at his players who seem to avoid unavoidable eye contact. But is that really how Steve Burtt is? Well, yes and no.... Burtt is easily likable while equally passionate about what he does. You can’t help but love that. After a recent victory at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Steve “All Day” Burtt sat down with HOOPSWORLD.com to talk about the Tour, his playing days, stressing defense, and what the camera fails to show: What was it like for you to grow up in New York playing ball? Oh man, it was the best thing that happened to me. It took me to where I am. It got me hear. It helped me with everything. I feel that basketball is a reflection of life. Certain things that happen in basketball are applicable in life and vice versa. When did your nickname “All Day” come into play? It came from 1988 when I came back from the Clippers. I played for Gene Shue. And I use to shoot like this (extends arms way above head). I use to jump so high and cock my arms back. He said, “Steve….no, no….you have to change that. Only great players can shoot like that-Jack Sikma, World B. Free.” So he showed me a drill to improve my shot. It helped a lot, got me a quick release. I got home that year and it was like Bam! The rim was looking so big. Duke (Duke Tango-AND 1 MC) was doing a game up here in New York City when I and another guy were going at it. I hit 7 - 8 in a row. And before I would shoot, Duke was like, “That’s all day.” And it just stuck. Talk about your playing days. Who influenced you? Henry Bibby. Henry Bibby showed me how to work at this and get back into the NBA. (AO beeps in on Steve’s two-way, but after they square away, it’s back to business). Every time I played with him, I got back into the NBA. Phoenix was great though. Played with Jeff Hornacek, Kevin Johnson, Tom Chambers, Dan Merjle….Got some playoff experience and a share of what was going on. Cotton Fitzsimmons was great to me because he gave me the opportunity to play. What about playing at Iona back in the day? Your son plays their now right? Those were the best days. My son (Steve Burtt Jr.) is a senior there this year. And he’s really good. He has a good work ethic. He use to be a little to cute sometimes but that’s the new era. He’s an “A” student also and graduating six months early. That’s what I like. That’s what I’m proud of more than anything. I mean I want him to be successful at ball. But I like the fact that he’s sharp. But we don’t play one-on-one anymore. Why is that? Because I don’t want to hurt his feelings. It’s like running into a brick wall. He’s not going to beat me. It’s not happening. What does he think about you doing this (AND 1)? (dramatic pause) uhhh….He things I’m crazy. How did you get involved with AND 1? Mike Ellis (Big Mike). He just pestered me, and pestered me, and pestered me. He said they could use a coach. But there is just certain stuff I won’t deal with. Now I have to deal with a number of personalities. And what better personalities to learn how to deal with. Coaches fall into two categories: Disciplinarian or a Player’s Coach. Which are you? I’m both. I want you to do what I tell you and also do what you do. Do what you do on the court. I’ve had to fine some guys. I’ve had to suspend some guys. But I’ve never sent anyone home because I don’t want to send anyone home. They have families. They have kids. But on the same token, you have a job. I’m trying to teach them this is like a life school lesson. You have to do what you have to do to keep that job and take care of your child. Does the camera present you in that light? Is that a fair assessment of who you really are? That’s those camera guys and all that. That’s all for the show. You have to keep it going. People like to see that: see me hollering and barking. But they don’t see me taking a guy to the side and talking to him and telling him about life issues and about being a man. But it’s cool though. That’s how I am and if it shows it shows, if it doesn’t it doesn’t, because it’s true. Talk about the naysayer who says AND 1 isn’t “real”? “I don’t even talk to them. I don’t have time for that. I knew Main Event since he was younger, and I’m watching thinking “What is Main doing?” and this could be good. Because these guys are awesome, trying to make something. They found their niche. So you can’t knock them for that. I even had to check myself. I can’t knock these guys for trying to find there niche. Main Event, AO, Half-Man, they are from the time when they would go to a park with no uniforms or nothing, “We got next!” “Who are you all?” “You are going to find out who we are!” And just playing. There is going to be some hitting. There is going to be some fighting. But they do their tricks and dunking and people started loving them. I’m taking it back to that. Because that’s what I come from. Because it’s real in the sense, with the entertainment added into it. I call guys real players or novelties, and whatever you are you have to work at being real or you have to work at being a novelty. It’s hard work now. There’s more work now. It’s real and I don’t care what anyone says. I live it. Who can take it to that next level like Skip (Rafer Alston) did? AO, Baby Shack, Go Get It can play in the NBA, but he has a terrible work ethic. Any of these guys can play in the NBDL….with a bit of an adjustment. You’re going to have to sacrifice. You can’t talk to guys in the NBDL like you talk to me. I sit and argue with them because I know what their going through. Eventually I’m going to squeeze you to the point where you are going to do it my way anyway. I don’t mind waiting a while because you have never had anyone on you like that. Tell me about some of the guys- The Pharmacist. The Pharmacist is a guy who could bring the house down. But he has a bad work ethic. And I’m trying to get him to understand about conditioning. He would be great at this, but he can’t maintain the pace. It’s a show but we still play good basketball. It gets physical and we play defense. Take more pride in it. About Professor’s game: “This is what “they” say, the masses, that the Professor is manufactured. I don’t believe that. So what we started doing this year is going into enemy territory, where streetball is played…DC, NY, for him to get a taste of what’s what. Guys are constantly coming at him and it’s just a matter of him having to man up. If you want to be the Professor and stay the Professor then you better hold it yourself. Sometimes you have to take your lumps. But he’ll be fine. I like his heart. He’s not use to some of this stuff. He’s use to doing his stuff but not with the physical play. Baby Shack: The guy is a beast. He’s tough. And I’m just trying to teach him to be constant with it. And Hot Sauce: Hot Sauce changed the whole game. That’s why I started watching it. I love Hot Sauce. And I don’t really like this stuff. But I like Hot Sauce. You have really stressed a defensive mindset, something that hasn’t been a priority in the past. Are guys open or resistant of it? They are not use to it. Of course there is going to be some fight. I don’t mind fighting with them as long as they get it. A lot of them haven’t had the college training, with a coach telling them “Get up or get out”. Even when guys are doing tricks you have to play closer. Sometimes you’re going to get shook up. The best way to handle it is to get up on them. Guys can’t get around you and we get some steals. And that way we get the crowd into it. Advice: Do they seek it or do you offer it? I go to them. And then they get tired of me going to them. I break them down. Then they come to me. Then they fade away because I’m hard on them. And then they come back. Like Professor. He tries to run. But you can’t run. I’m here. And as long as I’m here no body is running. Everyone is going to be accountable. Is there a chance to relax while on Tour? I relax while I’m doing this. There is no such thing as being here and not being able to relax. I find time for myself. And I tell the guys, you need to find some time for yourself and be happy. Because when I leave you guys I’m going to laugh, I’m going to joke, I’m going to be happy. I’m not going to let you mess my life up. You might mess my day up, but not my life. Do you get a chance to watch the show? I don’t really watch it because I live it. I’m living this. I really believe in these guys and what they are doing. But I can’t watch it because it looks like I’m nutty. But that is just my true heartfelt feeling. I want them to be accountable, professional, to have respect for themselves, and respect for the staff. There has been so much crazy stuff that has happened before that I have to be on them. Is continuing to coach in your future? Absolutely. Interview by HoopsWorld.com No one has commented on this article. Please login or register to post comments. J! Reactions • General Site License Copyright © 2006 S. A. DeCaro

 

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