Iff Ur Abs

Iff Ur Abs or iffurabs is the pen name of Steven Baruffi, a former basketball player at LaSalle University (B.A. Biology, 1974). He played with Joe Bryant, Kobe Bryant's father, under coach Paul Westhead who later went on to coach many years in the NBA. He also obtained a B.S. in Chemistry (1982) from St. Joseph's University, and a Masters in Chemistry (1991) from the University of South Florida.

Steve renounced a seven figure deal with the NBA to pursue his dreams of being a chemist, working for West Pharmaceuticals, Florida Atlantic University, and Merck & Company, INC. He also is a licensed realtor who sells swamp land near the Everglades.

After retiring from Merck in 2011, he wrote his first poem after seeing two robins hopping contentedly in his back yard one Spring day, and he hasn't stopped writing since.

His first book of poetry, "VIBRATIONS IN ULTRAVIOLET", was released in January of 2019. He has just released a second entitled "HOMELESS IN THE HEARTLAND" (March, 2020)

Steve has been married to his wife Patti since 1986, and has one daughter, Nicole Marie. He enjoys following Philadelphia sports teams, swimming, biking and working out in addition to his writing.

He can be contacted by email at baruffisteven@yahoo.com