Before calling UConn’s Quest for 100, ESPN’s Burke hailed by Providence

Doris Burke's banner is hoisted during the Providence jersey retirement ceremony. ESPN basketball analyst Doris Burke is beloved by her alma mater Providence College. The love was evident as she was honored with five others (Otis Thorpe, Bruce "Soup" Campbell, Lou Lamoriello, Ron Wilson and Cammi Granato) at the Friar Legends Forever 2017 Jersey Retirement Ceremony in Providence, R.I., on Saturday evening. The standing ovations, testimonials and kind words from everyone that Burke has touched over the years rang true throughout the evening. With her large family and many ESPNâ€™ers there to support her, Burke closed the night with a witty but sincere acceptance speech in which she thanked Providence College for guiding her to her successful broadcasting career. Burke starred at point guard at Providence from 1983-87, leading the Friars in assists for three seasons. She was a first-team All-Big East selection in 1987. She has covered basketball for ESPN since March 1991. Burke will be on the call of The Quest for 100, UConnâ€™s journey to reach a basketball milestone of 100-straight victories, a feat no other team has accomplished. The top-ranked Huskies play host to No. 6 South Carolina in a Big Monday tilt tonight (ESPN2, 9 p.m.). Burke is joined on the call by Dave Oâ€™Brien, Kara Lawson and reporter Holly Rowe. A full recap of ESPNâ€™s coverage plans for The Quest for 100, including on-site studio presence, SportsCenter, The Paul Finebaum Show and ESPN Radio, can be found by visiting ESPN MediaZone. This photo gallery reviews at Burke's big Saturday night in Providence and previews ESPN behind the scenes in Storrs, Conn., tonight. Providence President Father Brian Shanley (L) celebrates with Burke (C) and Friars men's head basketball coach Ed Cooley (R). ESPN celebrated with Burke's jersey retirement including (L-R) Jim Zirolli, Holly Rowe, Rebecca Lobo, Burke, Carol Stiff, Pat Lowry, Rachel Siegal and Tina Thornton. Burke was among several Providence athletes celebrated Saturday in Rhode Island. The Hartford Courant published an interview with Burke regarding UConn's prospects for 100 consecutive victories. https://twitter.com/hartfordcourant/status/831162078601805827 SportsCenter anchor Dianna Russini enjoys a cannoli this morning with UConn coach Geno Auriemma. Russini reports from Storrs. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas narrates a video illustration regarding the significance of the Huskies' winning streak.

Burke was among several Providence athletes celebrated Saturday in Rhode Island.

Related Articles