A Conversation with Otis Birdsong

As the Florida Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony gets closer (just one week away now), a lot has been made about the big names that will be inducted on August 16. One of the great stories of the new Hall of Fame class is the story of Otis Birdsong. He started his legendary career in Winter Haven playing basketball at Winter Haven High School and in just 9 days he will be inducted into the state sports hall of fame in the same city. I had a chance to talk to him about that and many other topics. Here is what the Hall of Famer had to say:

1. With your career starting here in Winter Haven (at Winter Haven High School) what does it mean to you to come back to where it all started to be inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame?

What a tremendous honor it is to be inducted at this time and at this place.  The history of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame and prior inductees  such as Rick Barry, Dave Cowens, Paul Warfield and the others make this a special event and time for me.  And so much greater being near my hometown.  I have many fond memories of Winter Haven and the time spent here growing up; where it all started.

2. As you look back on your career, would you ever have imagined that the game of basketball would take you this far?

I never did.  My first sport was baseball;  and in high school, I played football.  After an injury during fall practice, I went out for the basketball team and made it.  I had thoughts of attending college and/or a university, but I did not think I would receive a basketball scholarship to further my education.  Being the second pick in the draft after my senior year began my professional career in the sport.  Since retirement from the NBA, I’ve enjoyed entrepreneurial success (related to basketball), corporate success (related to basketball and other sporting events) and have managed two professional teams to league championships (ABA Arkansas RimRockers and CBA Oklahoma Calvary).  I did not imagine the game would afford these opportunities.  By the way, I’m a free agent now with an impressive resume and can assist teams with management on the professional level in attaining “that ring!”.

3. You hold a number of records at the University of Houston, your number is retired and did so much for the basketball program there, what is your fondest memory of your time there?

I must mention the relationships forged and now maintained with my roommate Jim Perry as well as my other teammates and friends.  Jim and I STILL talk on the phone as if we live next door to each other.  I met my gorgeous and intelligent wife while matriculating there (she’s a TCU grad), and of course playing for Legendary Coach Guy Lewis of whom I could go on and on and on about his leadership on and off the court.  My fondest memory revolves around meeting the players in the NBA that played on our floor at the University of Houston (Hofheinz Pavilion) before the Summit was built.

4. So many kids look up to athletes today, and certainly many will want to attend this event to see the superstars that will attend. What advice do you give kids today trying to make it to the NBA?

1) Education, 2) education and 3) education.  You must learn the SKILL of basketball as well as the SKILL of living.  Living requires an education.  This can be achieved with dedication and commitment and you will find skills learned in team play apply to living. 4) Enjoy playing the game of basketball, it is meant to be fun!  Bring your dedication and commitment to the game.  Your passion for the game, coupled with skills greater than the next guy/girl will show through in your efforts to achieve the level of play required for the NBA.

5. What are some things you remember about Winter Haven and what are you most looking forward to when you come back in August?

The things I remember center around the sense of community and well-being provided to me while growing up in Winter Haven.  I receive calls from high school teammates and friends and we instantly are able to go back to the things that bring us together as opposed to the things that can tear us apart.  I look forward to seeing the members of the community, friends, family (especially my mother), the weather and great home cooking!
6. There is so much talk about how the game of basketball has changed and is different than it used to be. How do you think the NBA game changed since you were in the league?

The ticket prices and arena business practices have enlarged the benefits of ownership which in turn have enlarged the salaries.  More importantly, the biggest change I have seen in the game since I was in the League is the emphasis on individual play versus team play.  The players appear to be more interested in individual achievements rather than team achievements.   Although Michael Jordan reminded us all there is an “I” in win, his statement should be kept within the context of how great a team player he was, how he made his teammates better players and he never sacrificed the team for selfish purposes.  When I was in the League, team-play was the only play.

Tickets are still available for the 2008 Florida Sports Hall of Fame induction. The event is Saturday, August 16 at Cypress Gardens. Call 534-2500 for more information or to purchase tickets.