Point guard Parris opts for Regis
Ready to learn and progress.
A funny thing happened to Brady ZParris on the way to making a college choice.
It came down to the Denver Pioneers and Regis Rangers.
It came down to the Denver Pioneers and Regis Rangers.
His parents, Herb and Kim, both graduated from DU.
So, of course, Parris, a point guard, chose to attend Regis after he graduates from Mullen next month.
“They wanted what’s best for me,” he said.
He did, too, so becoming a Ranger was a process, but one he was glad he went through to learn about – and weigh -- his options. And he appreciated any help.
“You know, I think (Mustangs) coach (Bob) Caton reached out to them after the season and let them know of my interest in a Catholic university in Denver and a good RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) team,” Parris said. “(The Regis) assistants reached out over spring break and I was able to go to Regis and have a workout, tour the school and talk to the coaches.
“They offered me a spot and I went back and forth with the options.”
Caton called it “a great fit for Brady. He’s smart, a coach-player on the court, that will fit in with what Regis does.”
As a Mustang, Parris helped turn around the Mustangs the past two seasons. Entering 2017-18, Class 5A Mullen had a dreadful 10-88 record in the Centennial League over seven seasons. However, the 6-foot, 175-pound Parris helped the Mustangs to an 11-14 overall mark, their best in eight seasons. Plus, the Mustangs were 16-10 the past season, advancing to the 5A Sweet 16 and their most victories since going 17-9 in 2007-08. Although only 4-10 in league in 2017-18, Mullen improved to 7-7 the past season.
Parris, who averaged 6.5 points and 5.0 assists, was second on the team with 42 3-pinters and had success handling the press, said he is looking forward to a good situation.
“I think it will be,” he said. “They have a winning culture there. The players let me know they wanted me there and really showed me what the culture is there.”
He knows he’ll probably back up upperclassmen guards to start, but said he’s willing to be patient and learn about the next level.
“They wanted a guy with a high (basketball) IQ to run the second group, push them in practice and eventually take that role on,” he said.
Parris has a 4.0 grade-point average and probably will major in business. His older brother, a former Mustang, is a redshirt left-handed pitcher at San Diego after recent knee surgery.
“I’m excited,” he said.
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