Parker's game, focus developing in Florida

National Signing Day is on Wednesday, a chance for players to be recognized for their achievements. One former Aiken High School basketball player didn't have the opportunity to participate in Signing Day last year, when he was a senior. This year will be similar, as he won't be the focus of attention.

That doesn't mean he hasn't been busy honing his craft on the hardwood. It also doesn't mean he won't have the spotlight shining brightly on him this time next year - if he doesn't sign before then.

Tramain "Tra" Parker was one of the top players for Aiken High last year, helping guide the Hornets into the Class AAAA playoffs. Parker is a talented ball handler, capable shooter and has a 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame that makes him as tough to guard as he is a versatile defender.

"He's one of the most talented players I've had the opportunity to coach," Aiken coach Tony Harrell said. "His skill set is unique for a 6-foot-5 player; he can pass and shoot. He's a tough matchup for anybody."

But Signing Day came and went last year without Parker putting pen to paper. There were academic issues, and Parker had to take a different route to play college basketball.

Hope wasn't lost. He participated in the Peach State Summer Classic AAU tournament, held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center in July. It was there that Parker caught the eye of a member of the coaching staff at Tallahassee Community College. Before long, Parker was on his way to the Sunshine State.

"Everything's been smooth," Parker said of playing for the program that has sent more than 50 players to a higher college level. "There's been an adjustment (on the court). Guys are bigger, but as the season's progressed, I've progressed."

Parker has played in 20 games this season for the Eagles, and his role has grown since the start of the season. He didn't have much of an impact in the team's first nine games, but, since then, he's averaged close to 10 points per game.

He's scored in double figures four times this season, including the past two games, when he posted season highs of 17 then 23 points.

"Early on in the season, I was solidifying myself," Parker explained. "In high school, I played in the post, but I'm naturally a guard. Now I'm playing against bigger players. I've had to adjust to getting shots off, getting space in the paint."

Parker seems to be finding his rhythm on the court. According to him, his mother's influence as well as the guidance of his coaches have allowed him to find a groove in college. Parker said that he was well prepared to leave home, and that all of his experience in AAU tournaments were a preview of what college would be like.

If maintaining focus was ever a question, it isn't at TCC. Parker said his coaches are on top of him, ensuring he's doing well in basketball, the classroom and overall.

"The coaching staff is all about getting players ready for the next level," Parker said of the program that has nine alums currently on college rosters, including Bernard James, an Air Force veteran who helped guide Florida State to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2011.

Former USC Aiken player Chris Brown, who was with the Pacers in the 2005-06 season, was a product of TCC.

"Right now, my grades are great. My coaches want me to be consistent with everything and make sure I stay on top of my work," Parker said. "The best thing is that they really care."

Additionally, Parker said, there's a strong support system among the players. They encourage each other and spend most of their time together. In addition to practice and working out, Parker said he and fellow Eagles will eat together, go to church together and take in the experience of being in Florida. Only four of the 13 players on the roster are from Florida.

"We spend time together off the court, and it makes it easier on the court," Parker said of a talented group of teammates that includes former Southern Miss. player Kody Williams, Winthrop commit Christian Farmer and 7-footer Deng Leek, who has being recruited by Syracuse and Texas A&M. "Coaches recruit a puzzle, trying to make the pieces come together."

Working out is part of the bonding experience. Parker said he lifts weights five days a week. He's in the gym almost every day trying to improve his skills. He estimated that, since arriving in Tallahassee, he's only taken three or four days off.

"Never waste a day," Parker said of the philosophy he's optimistic will let him transfer to a Division-I program.

"If he dedicates himself now, he has the opportunity to play Division-I basketball," Harrell said. "He's a very polite young man, and if he's dedicated, I know he can succeed."

There's definitely interest in Parker. He said big-time programs have shown interest in him, including Florida State, Florida, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Arkansas and Alabama, among others. If it works out, it's possible he could be bound for one of those schools this summer, but Parker said it's slightly more likely that he'll return to TCC for a second season.

"I'm not too sure; a lot of schools in the SEC are talking about me and have shown interest in me," Parker said. "It's about 60 percent chance I come back."

He said he expects to make a decision in June. Until then, he's got seven more regular-season games with the Eagles and is hopeful he'll be able to play in a tournament at Florida State that's designed for the top 100 players in the country.

"I'm taking in the experience," he said.

Noah Feit is a reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been a professional journalist for more than a decade.

TRA PARKER

Position: Guard

Height/Weight: 6-5/210

Year: Freshman

High School: Aiken

AVERAGES

PPG RPG APG

6.5 3.2 1.4