Terrapins men’s basketball guard Mychal Parker will transfer out of the program after two seasons, a team spokesman confirmed yesterday.
Parker, a sophomore from Washington, N.C., averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 18 minutes per game this season. He played in all 32 contests this year after appearing in just 13 as a freshman.
“I have come to the realization that it is in my best interests to continue my education and my career elsewhere,” Parker said in a statement. “I’m very grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve gotten from the University of Maryland and from coach [Mark] Turgeon. I will always consider myself a Terp for life.”
The 6-foot-5 guard never quite lived up to his billing as the Terps’ highest-rated recruit from the 2010 class. Parker was ranked higher than guards Terrell Stoglin and Pe’Shon Howard across all major recruiting services, but he couldn’t find a role under former coach Gary Williams in his freshman season.
“Sitting on the bench last year was very frustrating,” Parker said at the beginning of his sophomore season. “I’ve never sat on the bench in my life. To sit on the bench all year was hurtful. I used that as motivation.”
With ample playing time available this season, Parker hoped to return to his high-school form, when he was a four-star prospect. And as one of just seven regularly healthy scholarship players, Parker had his moments, playing tough defense during some stretches and throwing down several highlight-reel dunks.
But with freshman guard Nick Faust emerging as a go-to threat at the end of the season and Turgeon set to welcome another player at his position next year – 6-foot-8 swingman recruit Jake Layman – Parker’s minutes were likely to be slashed next year.
“We appreciate the effort and commitment Mychal made to our success and our program this season,” Turgeon said in a statement. “We certainly wish him well as he continues his academic and athletic pursuits.”
Parker first announced his decision to leave the program yesterday on TheRecruitScoop.com. In a 545-word statement, the forward said he’d recently met with Turgeon, who advised him to look into other options for next season.
“I am never the person to back away from a challenge and would never be scared to compete for a spot,” Parker wrote. “I honestly believe I would have thrived under those circumstances. Unfortunately, after many sleepless and prayerful nights, I came to the realization that it may be in my best interest to continue my education and career at another institution.”
He later thanked the Terps’ fanbase for its support and emphasized he still has a dream to play professionally after he finishes his collegiate career elsewhere.
Parker said East Carolina, located 15 minutes from his hometown, has shown the strongest interest. Alabama-Birmingham, where former Terps assistant coach Rob Ehsan is now an assistant, and Loyola (Md.) are also possibilities.
“Coming from a very poor and rural town in Eastern North Carolina, it was an amazing blessing for Maryland to give me such a tremendous opportunity,” Parker wrote, “and I am forever indebted.”
ceckard@umdbk.com
