Recruiting Report: Parker Bjorklund (2018)
Parker Bjorklund is one of those guys who could go from role junior to huge number producer as a senior. The Chaska 6-foot-2 wing has several college programs calling with interest.
Over the summer Parker was one of the key pieces that helped tMBA to a better year than people expected. Parker is a guy that NHR noted as a 17u standout.
“I played AAU for the Minnesota Basketball Academy, ran cross country, and shot baskets at my local community center to get ready for my senior year,” Parker explained. “Junior year was a lot of fun, we got conference champs and moved on to the state tournament.”
All that time could really pay off for Parker. He supported the state bounds Hawks with five points, good ball movement, and toughness each game. Now he wants to be a better offensive weapon.
“I’ve been working a lot on my shot to get ready for this season,” Parker said. “My form wasn’t the best last year so that has been my main focus.”
There is a lot to replace at Chaska. Myles Hanson is at Columbia, Andrew Kallman is at Northern State, Alex Strazzanti is playing football at Minnesota, and Jack Perrill and Ryan Rodriguez have also graduated.
“We lost four starters that played from last season but we have a lot of young talent and potential this year,” Bjorklund said. “If everyone keeps working hard I think we will do very well against our conference this winter.”
Cole Nicholson is the returning starter and will be a main part of the offense as will be Bjorklund. Guards Marcus Peters and Matt Eliason also played roles as 8th and 9th men at times. They will be the main pieces this year.
“My goal this season is to be a leader on and off the court and go 100 percent in practice. My main goal for our team is to become conference champions for the 4th time in a row.”
Bjorklund and Nicholson will be relied on the most though. Parker had a strong 17U year and several schools are calling.
“I’ve gotten interest from South Dakota School of Mines, Concordia, St. Thomas, Gustavus, Hamline, and a few other division three schools,” Parker said. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet.”