Fanshawe's Chris Parker finds success during another year on the court

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: PROVIDED BY FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
Chris Parker came to Fanshawe from Toledo, Ohio and started his third season successfully by setting a Fanshawe record for the most points scored in a single game.

The Fanshawe men's basketball team achieved great success so far this season winning 9 out of 12 games (including exhibition games). Point guard and shooting guard, Chris Parker, has had a strong contribution to the team's successes.

Parker, originally from Toledo, Ohio, is in his third and final year of the child and youth care program and this is his third year on the basketball team.

“I started playing basketball when I was five years old for the YMCA at home and my dad was my coach so that is where it all started,” Parker said. “I really hope to play basketball for as long as my body will allow it.”

Parker said that he continued playing basketball in high school and his team went to the state championship.

“After high school I went to a community college [St. Clair County Community College] in Port Huron, Mich., and I played there and I was successful individual wise in my second year,” Parker said. “I finished in the top 10 for scoring in the country and I received a few all conference awards and I continued that success here at Fanshawe where I received a few first team honours.”

Parker said that he received a study permit to come to Canada and was excited to attend Fanshawe. He said he hopes to one day get dual citizenship to keep his options open for basketball.

“I would like to play ball professionally either in Canada or possibly overseas somewhere and continue to experience things and go places that I would never be able to go,” Parker said. “Basketball has taken me a lot of places and I want to see how far I can go with that.”

Parker said that when he is done playing basketball, he wants to pursue a career that will allow him to work with children.

“I am not really sure what environment I want to work in, but I definitely want to work with young people and teenagers and help to guide them and be a positive influence for them,” Parker said.

According to Parker, his experience as a Fanshawe basketball player has been nothing short of positive.

“At Fanshawe I met one of my favourite people ever, my coach Tony Marcotullio,” Parker said. “He has helped me develop my game to a whole other level.”

Parker said that he contributes a lot of his success as both a basketball player and a student to his teammates.

“Last year I had a lot of personal battles that I was dealing with but if it wasn't for basketball and it wasn't for my teammates, I don't know where I would be right now,” Parker said.

In addition to the 9-3 record the Fanshawe men's team has accomplished, Parker has more to celebrate.

In an Oct. 24 home game against Lambton College, Parker set a new Fanshawe men's basketball single game scoring record.

According to an Oct. 24 Fanshawe Athletics press release, Parker scored 48 points in the game to beat the previous record of 36 points held by Jemaul Jones in the 2015/16 season.

“Setting that record is a big honour and it is a big relief because I have been working really hard,” Parker said. “I work hard in the summertime and during the school year I am waking up at 6 a.m. to get shots up and work on my game. Just to see my hard work pay off is such a relief.”

Parker said that he scored 59 points in a game last season, but since it was an exhibition game, it did not count towards setting the record.

Marcotullio, head coach of the Fanshawe men's basketball team, spoke with the Interrobang about how Parker contributes to the team and his strength on the court.

“Chris is the type of player who is always in the gym and gets it done in the classroom,” Marcotullio said. “He's crafty with the ball and in my 30 plus years of coaching I have never coached a player who is as prolific at scoring as Chris.”

Marcotullio said that Parker is the best scorer in the league and his top qualities are his work ethic and his will to win.

“There is a difference between being competitive and being a competitor and he truly understands the fine line,” Marcotullio said. “If Chris increases his court awareness, he will have an excellent chance to play at a pro level, either in Europe or Canada.”