Parsons invited to NBA combine
Florida senior forward Chandler Parsons was among 54 players invited to next week’s NBA draft combine in Chicago.
Parsons, who signed with agent Mark Bartelstein, has been training in Los Angeles with former NBA forward and UCLA standout Don MacLean. Former Gators forward David Lee has stopped by for some workouts.
Forward Alex Tyus and center Vernon Macklin did not make the cut for the Chicago combine, which will be held May 18-22. Other players invited to the combine include Tennessee forwards Tobias Harris and Scotty Hopson, Kentucky guards Brandon Knight and DeAndre Liggins and FSU forward Chris Singleton.
Parsons was the first player in Florida history to earn SEC player of the year honors, averaging 11.3 points per game while finishing third in the SEC in rebounding (7.8 rpg) and fifth in assists (3.8 apg). The 6-foot-10 forward struggled somewhat in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 9.5 points and 6 assists. But his overall body of work has been impressive, and scouts are intrigued because of his ability to handle and pass the ball at his size.
Kevin Brockway gave up on his dream of becoming a lefty starting pitcher for the New York Mets when he walked four straight batters, then hit one in a middle school game in Suffern, N.Y. Since graduating college in 1993, he’s worked as a sports writer at daily newspapers throughout the state of Florida, beginning with the Key West Citizen. He then moved on to the Northwest Florida Daily News and Naples Daily News before becoming the men’s basketball writer for The Gainesville Sun in 2003. Brockway has won multiple state and national writing awards during his 16-year career. Favorite pastimes include karaoke and watching baseball. Favorite college hoops team growing up was St. John’s.
Good for Parsons. I hope he does well and improves his draft stock. There are very few NBA slots, i hope he gets one of them. Go Gators!
by Thomas
It looks doubtful Tyus and Macklin will get drafted. If not, I hope they go overseas, play a year or two, then return for long, successful careers in the NBA.
by BSJGator
Best of luck Chandler! Represent us well!
by ngamtngator
Glad to hear that one person will leave UF this year and land a job that will pay enough for him to develop his life.
by D. Alderman
Good job Mr. Parsons! Gator Nation will be pulling for you! Best of luck to Mr. Tyus and Mr. Macklin as well!…two of my favorite Gator B-ballers!
by Gatorjam
sure seems like a long shot, the way he disappears in games really impresses no none.. still needs to bulk up, start hitting free throws & learn to get mean under the basket .. other than that, he’s a great player
but i continue to wish him the best !
by sir chomps alot
The Orlando Magic have a player with Parsons. all-round game in Tuccolu {spelling} who is at the downside of his career. The Magic are not the best at drafting players but could upgrade there young talant by acquiring Parsons in the first round.
by Ed