University of Connecticut Athletics
Former Coach Burr Carlson Passes Away
9/20/2018 9:38:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Burr Carlson, who was a UConn all-league basketball star as a player in the 1950s and later served as head coach of the Huskies for two years, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 4 at age 90, in Naples. Fla.
Carlson, who began his playing career at Central Connecticut, transferred to UConn so he could play for legendary coach Hugh Greer. Carlson played one season, 1951-52, with the Huskies and was named a First Team Yankee Conference All-Star after helping lead UConn to a 20-7 record and the Yankee Conference Championship.
The 6-6 Carlson averaged a double-double in his one year playing at Connecticut, averaging 12.6 points and a team-leading 14.5 rebounds per game. His rebound average remains No. 8 all-time in the UConn single-season record book.
Carlson became the first player in UConn history to be selected in the NBA Draft when he was picked in the 1952 draft by the Philadelphia Warriors.
Rather than pursue a pro basketball career, Carlson chose to join the United States Army, serving from 1953 to 1955 and also served in the Army Reserve from 1955 to 1964.
In 1964, Carlson was named assistant coach at UConn under head coach Fred Shabel and remained in that post for three seasons. Following the 1966-67 season, Shabel stepped down as head coach and Carlson was named head coach at his alma mater.
He served as UConn head coach for two seasons before being replaced by Dee Rowe in 1969.
Carlson was the son of the late Mary A. Donlon and Burr Oscar Carlson. He was raised in Bethel, Connecticut, and graduated from Bethel High School and subsequently served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1946.
He obtained his undergraduate degree at UConn in physical education and then his master's degree in education.
Following his time in the Army, Carlson began his career in education and as a men's basketball coach at Rockville High School, Bristol Eastern High School and Windsor High School.
After coaching, Carlson worked as a high school guidance counselor and in commercial real estate until his retirement in the mid 1990's. Carlson was the recipient of the Red O'Neil Award, given by The UConn Club to a former student-athlete who enjoyed great success in their chosen field.
Carlson was inducted into the Bethel High School Hall of Fame, the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Bristol High School Hall of Fame, among other awards and distinctions.
Carlson was married to Carol Dixon Carlson and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his brother, Harold Carlson of Ocala, Florida; his son Richard Carlson and family of Somers, Connecticut; and his son Gary Carlson and family of Hebron, Connecticut. His sister, Katherine McMahon, preceded him in death.
Condolences may be sent to Carol Carlson in care of: Barrington Estates 5175 Tamiami Tr., East Naples, FL 34113
Donations may be made in Burr's memory to: The UConn Club General Athletic Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to: The UConn Foundation, Inc., and forward to the following address: Husky Athletic Fund, 2111 Hillside Road, U-1078 Storrs, Connecticut 06269.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.
