George "Trigger" Burke (1981) - Hall of Fame - University of Massachusetts Athletics

George "Trigger" Burke

Induction:
1981
Class:
1956

The man for whom the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame is named, George "Trigger" Burke was a standout basketball player for two years at UMass in the mid-1950s.

A 1956 second-team all-America selection, Burke was also named first team all-East, all-New England, all-Yankee Conference, and all-Boston Garden. He was the first player ever to lead UMass in scoring and assists in the same season.

Burke is one of only six former Minutemen to have his jersey retired, and his No. 32, shared with fellow UMass legend Julius Erving, hangs from the rafters of the Mullins Center. Burke held many school records which were eventually broken by the great Dr. J.

In 1996, Burke revived the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame through his generous contribution. A former acting mayor of the City of Quincy and District Attorney of Norfolk County, Burke enjoyed a successful law career long after his playing days at UMass and with the Boston Celtics.