Parker, who was originally recruited by Villanova out of high school, wanted to make sure he didn’t miss out on being a Wildcat this time around. He opened up to VUHoops.com.
When putting himself in the transfer portal, Kris Parker wanted to make sure that he got his decision right this time around.
He’ll be trading in his crimson colors for the blue and white hues of the Villanova Wildcats.
The 6-foot-9 guard was originally recruited by Villanova coming out of high school and had the Wildcats in his final four list, but chose Alabama. When he opted to transfer out after a redshirt year with the Crimson Tide, the Wildcats expressed interest once again.
“Out of high school, the relationship I had with the coaches, I was very comfortable with it,” said Parker of his decision to go to ‘Nova. “I kind of felt like I should have went (to Villanova) the first time, so when I made this decision, I made the right decision for me this time.”
Parker met with the Wildcats last Wednesday and felt enticed to make his decision just under a week later. He announced his commitment on Tuesday morning.
“The conversation was just a reconnection,” Parker said of the meeting. “Like I said, I was always comfortable with the coaches. They said that it was a real need for me this year, so I feel like it will be a perfect situation for me.”
The Tallahassee, Fla. native was a four-star prospect according to 247 Sports and On3.com coming out of high school. He was a consensus top 100 prospect and averaged 24.8 points and 14.2 rebounds at the Crossroad Academy.
Parker cited a strong connection with assistant coach Dwayne Anderson when he was in high school. Missouri and UCF were the other two schools in his final four list, before he opted to attend Alabama.
According to 247 Sports’ transfer ratings, he is regarded as a three-star transfer. He didn’t appear in any games at Alabama, and he retains all four years of eligibility after his redshirt season.
“I just learned to be an everyday guy,” Parker said. “I show up every day and build that consistency and just work. No matter how things are looking, just continue to work, because in the end it will pay off. If it’s not for the team, it will pay off for yourself.
“I bring versatility. Over this last year, in college, I’ve really improved on the defensive end. You don’t see too many 6-9 guards, so my size and ability to handle is going to be a real problem for defenders.”
While Parker is trying to elevate all areas of his game this offseason, he’s been honing in and trying to gain a more consistent three-point shot.
“Coach actually called me the other day and said, ‘With you, we’re going to bring back Killanova,’ so I’m looking to help drive ‘Nova back to that state and that winning mentality,” Parker said. “I’m ready to turn it around. … Kyle’s a great coach and I know it’s been kind of rough the past couple of years, but this year, I think we got the group to do it.”
Parker didn’t visit campus this time around, but his visit when he was a high school prospect in the Class of 2023 has stayed firmly in his mind.
“I visited out of high school my senior year, so I didn’t take one this year, but the campus is historic,” Parker said. “I love a winning program and the vibe of the team and the culture. Guys say a lot about, ‘Attitude,’ and that’s how the break down the huddle. The culture and the way they run things — I like it a lot. I see myself fitting in with the winning culture and the style of play. I’m ready to get up there and get to the play with the guys they have.”