Byron Burt is an aspiring G-League/NBA Coach who has worked for the Windy City Bulls in Game Day Operations since September of 2024. He previously served as the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at St. Laurence High School in Chicago, Illinois. Byron also spent two seasons as the Head Coach at his alma mater, Stephen T. Mather High School before landing the job at St. Laurence. Before taking over the Mather program Burt worked at Beacon Academy in Chicago as the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director from 2017 to 2018.

Burt has worked as a coach at the youth level since his playing days and currently helps to oversee Chicago Hoops, the AAU Program he started back in 2016.

On this episode Mike and Byron discuss the characteristics that make for a great NBA coach including the importance of building strong relationships with players, emphasizing that effective coaching transcends mere tactical knowledge. Byron shares that a successful coach must not only master the X's and O's but also cultivate a rapport that fosters trust and accountability among team members. Throughout the discussion, we delve into various coaching philosophies, highlighting the necessity of adaptability and the ability to motivate players, particularly in high-pressure situations. Ultimately, this episode underscores the intrinsic connection between coaching effectiveness and the human element inherent in the game of basketball played at the highest level.

Byron played college basketball at Loyola of Chicago for Coach Porter Moser.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Website – https://www.upnextathletics.org/

Email – [email protected]

Twitter – @Burt3030

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

The Dr. Dish Training Management System (TMS) is built for coaches who want structure, accountability, and smarter player development.

Here’s what you can do with TMS:

✅ Advanced Stats Tracking

✅ Assign Custom Workouts

✅ Team Insights

✅ Multi-Drill Workouts

✅ On-Demand Library

All in one platform. All from your computer.

👉 Learn More: Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ