cal Bruton
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- Born in New York City September 29, 1954.
- I played basketball from the time I was 12, along with all other sports.
- I grew up without my dad as he was killed when I was 7 years old. I had 2 younger sisters and my mom. We struggled but Mom always said I was the man of the house so I had to step up and stay out of trouble, so sport became my happy place.
- American Football, I was a quarterback, baseball a shortstop and basketball a point guard. Played all 3 through high school.
- Received a scholarship to attend Wichita State University. Majored in communications.
- Tried out with 2 professional NBA teams, San Antonio Spurs and Kansas City Kings, missed out on both.
- Hauled trash for a living supporting 2 young boys and my wife until I was lucky enough to get the call to come to Australia in 1979 at the start of the NBL, National Basketball League.
- Able to lead the league in scoring and as offered an opportunity to bring my family to Australia, Geelong.
- 44 years later, I have been inducted in the Hall of Fame, won championships as a player and a coach, played for Australia at the 1986 World Championships and received an OAM for my contribution to the game.
- I now have 6 kids and 5 grandkids which is my greatest achievements to date.
- For further information about Cal and what he is doing to date, visit his website! http://brutonbasketballfoundation.com.au
WHAT IS YOUR PREPARATION TOWARDS A SEASON?
My prep for a season was to run on an athletic track and in the pool with a vest. On the track I used to run 4X 400 under 80 sec, 6X 200 under 30 sec, 10X 100 under 12 Sec every Mon, Wed and Fri.
Tuesday and Thursday a mile run under 6 min and 10X 40 meters & 10X 60 meters. All with a stop watch in my hands.
WHAT IS YOUR GAME DAY ROUTINE?
- Relaxation.
- Listen to music.
- Watch tape of the opposition and of my favourite players.
- Stretch.
- Eat well.
- Have a quick nap.
WHAT HELPS YOU FOCUS PRIOR AND DURING A CONTEST?
My focus has always been, prior to the contest, to figure out how I was going to have to play against the defensive schemes against me to get the win. Also, how I can make my teammates better, to take the pressure off me, being a player coach for half of my career that was paramount. I thought about feeding my family too.
WhEN YOU ARE AT A LOW POINT OR SLUMP DURING A SEASON, WHO AND WHAT GETS YOU OVER THE HURDLE?
My family was always my No. 1 priority. I wanted to entertain them and make them proud of me so if I was in a slump that would be my focus as they would let me know and be cracking jokes to loosen me up. They would not let me be down for long.
Watching my idols play and the new up and coming players so I can pick something from their game that would be uplifting for me. Also read a Champions book and see if there was something that I could pick up there to provide a spark.
Those old VHS videos, on the younger than me NBA players back in the day, would get me going too, MJ, Magic, Bird, Isaiah, those championship Lakers, Boston teams, just watching winners!
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THAT STICKS WITH YOU THROUGH TOUGH TIMES?
Tough times don’t last, tough people do. I was from New York so I felt I had to be tough to make it.
DURING A CONTEST, WHEN THE GAME IS GOING AGAINST YOU, WHAT HELPS YOU REST AND REFOCUS?
- Going back to basics.
- Focus on the fundamentals and doing the little things right!
- Setting screens.
- Cutting hard.
- Defending well.
- Boxing out.
Take the focus off my self and try and help my teammates get going, take advantage of a perceived mismatch. Run, Run and Run some more until I see my opponent bend over and put their hands on their knees.
ANY ADVICE FOR THE FUTURE PROFESSIONALS THAT MAY READ THIS CONVERSATION?
Play the Right Way and Run, Stun and Have Some Fun. The best way to play the game.
Have fun and enjoy the journey.
from the writer:
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