UMass Boston

John Buckley was the first big-time forward for Boston StateCollege, earning NAIA All-American honors in 1963-64 afteraveraging the fourth-highest scoring average in school annals. Thepower forward netted 25.3 points to go with 14.9 rebounds per gameas a sophomore to lead all New England small college players inpoints and rebounds. Buckley was a three-time All-New Englandperformer during his four-year career, which spanned from 1962-66,and was named the Warrior's Most Valuable Player as a sophomore anda senior. Boston State enjoyed its greatest success duringBuckley's senior campaign as the post-player led it to a 23-5(.821) record. He graduated in 1966 as the school's all-timeleading scorer with 1,575 points and top rebounder with 811 boards.His numbers stood the test of time with third place rankings inpoints and field goals (592), while standing fourth in careerrebounds. A member of the Boston State College Gold Torch Society,Buckley went on to establish himself as one of the best NCAA soccerreferees in the nation, officiating seven national championshiptournaments and was tabbed NCAA Referee of the Year in 1986. He isalso a four-time ECAC Referee of the Year and has retained the roleof CYO Basketball Director since 1976. He is presently a teacher inthe Natick, MA school system and earned a PHD from BostonUniversity.