Tennessee basketball’s support staff has received a hire from Rick Barnes. According to an announcement made by the Vols on Thursday, Chris Parker has been appointed to the team as the new assistant director of player development. Parker is joining Tennessee after serving as a graduate assistant at TCU for the past two years.
In a statement, Parker stated, “I feel genuinely honored to have this wonderful chance to join such a historic program. ” “I want to thank Rick Barnes and the coaching staff for trusting me. I’m eager to help Tennessee continue its incredible success and pursue championships in every way I can.
In Parker’s two seasons as a graduate assistant on the staff, TCU went 39-28, including a Round of 32 showing and a trip to the NCAA Tournament last year. In his new role at Tennessee, Parker will play a significant part in the Vols’ player development program and also help prepare opponent scouting reports during the season.
In Arkansas, Parker spent his first three years of college at Division III Henderson State, where he excelled. In his three years at Henderson State, the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 3. 3 assists, 2. 7 rebounds, and 14 points per game.
Parker, a Plano, Texas native, moved to Liberty for his final season, where he served as the starting point guard for a Flames squad that finished 23-6 and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament as a 13-seed after winning the ASUN Tournament.
Before going pro in Georgia (the nation) and Portugal and starting his coaching career at TCU, Parker averaged 10. 3 points, 2. 1 rebounds, and 3. 4 assists in his one season at Liberty.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes stated, “Our team is eager to have Chris join us here in Knoxville. ” He seemed to us to be the perfect candidate for this job, and we think he will bring a lot of value to our program. Chris brings a varied background in the industry and a clear enthusiasm for the game, having been a superb player on both the collegiate and professional levels.
Riley Collins, Tennessee’s assistant director of player development, is being replaced by Parker. Collins, who had worked in the capacity for the last two years, accepted an assistant coaching position on Justin Gainey’s first NC State team.
Collins and Gainey were the only staff members that Tennessee basketball lost this summer. Barnes brought in Earl Grant, the ex-Boston College head coach, to take Gainey’s spot on the Vols’ crew.
