Recruiting Report: TJ Parham (JUCO)
Wabash Valley JC small forward TJ Parham is one of the more intriguing junior college wings we saw this past season. The 6’7” small forward presents size for position and solid athleticism. Parham is best working out of the high and mid-post area. He can take it off the bounce a couple dribbles with explosion and is a solid perimeter shooter from 15-18 feet and occasionally out to three where he is most effective shooting it off the catch. We caught up with the former Army transfer to see where things stand with his recruitment and more!
The Wabash Valley small forward discussed his season in depth with PrepHoopsIllinois.
“My season went well individually and as a team. We won our first 11 games of the season and were ranked as high as #20 in the nation. During that stretch I was averaging 19 points a game. It was exciting for our team to be noticed as one of the best teams in the nation. Our team hit a rough patch in January and I suffered two ankle injuries during that time, but our team was able to come together and finish the season strong. I also finished strong after my injury in the last 8 games shooting 59% from the field and 41% from three. We finished 23-9 and were Region 24 champions. Which is one of the toughest regions in the country. We made it to the district championship and lost to Vincennes.”
Despite the injuries it was a successful year of JUCO ball for the former Marian Catholic standout.
“I finished the season with an average of 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and shot 47% from the field. I was selected as First Team All-Region 24, First Team All GRAC, and All-American.”
He felt he learned quite a bit playing his lone year of JUCO basketball.
“After transferring from a Division one school I was able to learn so much in my one year at Wabash Valley. I will be graduating in May and I am very excited and looking forward to playing my next three years and the next level.”
Parham spoke about what he feels he can bring to a college program.
“First I am a winner and I enjoy making winning plays. I was blessed to win in high school at Marian Catholic and was able to carry it over to Wabash Valley. My size and length brings versatility on the defensive and offensive end. I can play and defend multiple positions on the court. I can shoot the three and score the ball at a high rate with multiple games over 20 points this season. I scored in double figures in 24 out of 30 games this season. Toughness and rebounding are also strong attributes to my game with having 163 total rebounds with 72 being offensive.”
The freshman small forward updated us on where things stand with his recruitment.
“I’m getting interest from D1 schools and currently working on setting up visits with my parents and coach. Some of the schools involved are Little Rock, Chattanooga, Wagner, St. Peter’s. Southern Utah, South Alabama, UMKC, and Cornell.”
He has four offers currently he says.
“UMKC, Wagner, Albany, and St. Peter’s.”