Worcester Wolves have strengthened their front court with the signing of American centre Mike Parks Jr.

Park Jr joins the West Midlands franchise after his senior college year representing the Memphis Tigers, competing in the American Athletic Conference of NCAA Division 1. He was then drafted to the NBA G league development side, Raptors 905 and was scheduled to play in Australia prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Cleveland Ohio, Parks JR studied and played at Richmond Heights High School where he was awarded the conference MVP followed by seasons with Missouri State-West Plains and Southwest Mississippi CC, prior to representing the Tigers at the University of Memphis.

In his final NCAA year, he totalled 205 points, 110 rebounds and 21 blocks with a field goal percentage of 60 percent.

Parks Jr will bring size and strength to the Wolves roster and will prove to be a thorn in the opposition’s side at both ends of the court.

“I feel Mike will be a very valuable asset, whose presence I feel will be integral to our success this season,” said Head Coach Matt Newby.

“The league in recent years has seen an influx of high calibre interiors, I can’t see that changing looking at recent signings across the league. So, it was important that we found the right player to match up on the inside; in Mike we have a strong, powerful and explosive five man with real grit.

“He is a hardworking and humble player whose profile genuinely compliments our 2020-21 recruitment; I look forward to him joining the Wolfpack.”

Parks Jr is excited to wear the Worcester Wolves jersey, representing the Club, City and Wolfpack.

“Michael Jordan once said ‘you must expect great things of yourself before you can do them’, I am expecting a great season and I am working hard towards it each day,” added Parks Jr.