Dennis Parker II 6’4, 170 2023 Boo Williams Richmond
Dennis is so impressive athletically and physically and remarkably skilled for someone so young. He has great length at 6’4 possessing a 6’7 wingspan, he has excellent bounce and quickness. I don’t like saying freakishly athletic but that description is accurate, he is also a solid student in the classroom! Dennis has immense natural talent and plays every position on the floor and at this stage he is both too quick and too overpowering for most opponents. He handles the ball very well in the open floor and can get end to end quickly. He is agile and uses long, rangy strides and a tight handle, can get to the rim in one or two dribbles in the half court and attacks the basket emphatically. I’m really surprised how smooth and confident he is in the mid range with nice footwork and control as he lifts into a silky smooth, text book jumper. Also has three point range on the jumper and displays advanced perimeter skills. Dennis moves well without the ball and has a great feel, very unselfish given his strong scoring instincts but he does look for the open man and is a willing passer. He pounds the glass on both ends relentlessly using explosive vertical lift and the ability to rebound outside his area. He employs sound defensive posture, solid footwork and mobility as he defends multiple positions. Dennis is young and we try to be cautious in projecting someone so young but he has the tools physically and fundamentally, plays with a great motor and has very good court awareness giving a strong foundation for continued success; AND he has the DNA! He is the son of a coach as his Dad, Dennis Parker coaches in the AAU’s RVA Runnin Rebels program. The elder Parker, who is also the program manager for the Runnin Rebels starred in football at John Marshall HS earning All Metro and All State honors before a standout collegiate football career at Virginia Union University where he was an Academic All America selection. His mother was raised in Kinston, NC and attended UNC. He has an older sister who is a highly regarded volleyball player and his God Father and trainer is former Parade and McDonalds All America from Richmond, VA Milton Bell. Bell went on to play his college basketball at Georgetown University before moving on to play professionally for 20 different teams in 11 countries from 1993 through 2011. Bell is very active in Dennis’ development and within the community with his basketball training and youth mentorship corporation, Milton Bell Basketball. Coach Bell speaks highly of Dennis’ dedication and work ethic. A high character young man who strives for excellence on and off the court; “Dennis Jr. is one of my favorite students because of his sincere passion for the game. He is a natural leader and young man of great integrity who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence since the beginning of his basketball journey at a young age”. He is our #TMBT blueprint for what we like to teach and a prime example of what hard work and dedication can and will do no matter how old or at what part of the journey you are on.” Dennis also plays for the RVA Runnin Rebels and is coached by former All Metro Basketball star at Armstrong High School Kennard Wyche. Coach Wyche has played a vital role in Dennis’ development as well. These are the successful influences that provide a solid support system for Dennis and he has all he needs for a successful future on and off the court. He can contribute at many varsity programs right now! Has a tremendous upside, great potential! Put him on your “must see” list!