
The Basketball Podcast Burton Uwarow on Special Situations and Mentorship (EP407)
Jan 14, 2026
Burton Uwarow, a seasoned basketball coach and athletic director, shares his journey from Bob Jones University to West Florida Baptist Academy. He reflects on the importance of mentorship and the relationships he's built with former players. Uwarow delves into practical coaching strategies like prioritizing special situations and scripting early-game plays. He emphasizes the need for discipline and strong communication with parents while advising on how to build a recognizable program. His insights offer valuable lessons for both aspiring coaches and players.
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Stepping Back After Serious Injuries
- Burton describes being hit by a semi and spending months recovering mobility, which led him to step down from college coaching.
- He emphasizes choosing to leave when he couldn't perform fully and preparing his assistant Tony Miller to step up.
Neutralize Inbound Passer Angles
- Defend inbound plays by forcing the passer into limited angles and taking away hot options in the first three seconds.
- Teach players to defend 75% of the court and pressure secondary options to force mistakes.
Attack The First Three Seconds
- Pressure the inbound passer immediately and remove obvious outlets so panic starts after three seconds.
- Force teams to rely on secondary options by eliminating their hot passes early.


