Talented JC transfer Parker joins Seawolf front line
ANCHORAGE (July 22) – The Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball team added a multi-talented post presence Wednesday when head coach Rusty Osborne announced the signing of Ryan Parker to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Seawolves.
Parker, a 6-7, 230-pound forward, played his sophomore campaign at Sierra College in Rocklin, Calif., averaging 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He shot 47 percent from the floor and 68 percent at the free-throw line, where he made nearly six trips per game. The sixth-leading scorer in the Big 8 Conference, Parker had six games with 20 or more points, including a season-high 25 in a win over Sacramento City College.
The Sacramento native played his freshman season at Division I Alabama A&M, averaging 1.1 ppg and 1.1 rpg in 18 appearances. His top game included seven points and five rebounds in a victory over Southern.
“Ryan is an extremely versatile big man who will provide a great post-up presence along with the ability to pass the ball,” said Osborne, who enters his sixth season at the helm this fall. “With his Division I experience and his success at the JC level, we know we are getting a veteran player who can step in right away and compete at a high level.”
As a prep, Parker helped lead Center High School to the sectional semifinals all three of his varsity seasons, including the championship his sophomore campaign. In 2005-06 he was named the Central Valley Conference MVP, and he twice received All-City recognition.
“In addition to his basketball accomplishments, Ryan will be a terrific addition as a teammate,” Osborne added. “I think his tenacity on the court and his friendly demeanor will make him a fan favorite the next two years.”
Parker brings UAA’s list of new commitments to five, joining Bryce Arnott (Fr., G, 6-1, 185, Clyde, Australia), Division I transfer Malcolm Campbell (So., C, 6-9, 255, Los Angeles, Calif./Fairfax HS/Hartford), and fellow JC transfers Donnie Lao (Jr., G, 6-2, 190, Midvale, Utah/Hillcrest HS/Snow Coll.) and Drew Robinson (Jr., G., 6-1, 175, Lehi, Utah/Salt Lake CC).
Nate Sagan
Sports Information Director
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Dr. / Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-1295 / Fax: (907) 563-4565
GoSeawolves.com
