Born in 1914 and reared on a farm near Martin, Tennessee, Floyd Burdette lived close to an outdoor basketball court, and you can bet the young Floyd was out playing no matter the weather. By the time he reached his senior year at Martin High School in 1934, Burdette was an all-district player. Playing as a freshman at PTJC, he was All-Mississippi Valley Conference high scorer in 1934-1935. He then matriculated to Murray State University, where he was high scorer from 1936 through 1938 and All-SIAA in 1937 and 1938. Burdette lead Murray State to the SIAA championship in 1936, and the team was runner-up his final two years. Burdette also played AAU basketball in Oklahoma City from 1933 to 1940. He joined the Air Force in 1942 and coached the Randolph Field basketball team to Area Service Championships in 1942 and 1943. From 1946 to 1952, Burdette was the head basketball coach at the University of Alabama, where he accumulated an impressive record of 83-57. He finished out his coaching career where his life had begun, in Martin, Tennessee. At UT-Martin, he compiled a 203-201 record en route to Western Division championships in 1966 and 1967 and a Volunteer State Athletic Conference championship in 1970. Burdette retired in 1971 to become Professor of Physical Education and Health at UT-Martin. His illustrious career as a player and coach and his devoted service to his home state are his proud legacies.
