After Suffering Losses Off The Court, Paul Parks Becomes Walking Testimony By Leading Shreveport Mavericks To TBL Finals Against Albany Patroons
During an unforgettable All-Star season, the steadfast guard remains determined to bring home the TBL Championship to Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana – It’s hard not to think of Paul Parks and contemplate the meaning of the word “perseverance”.
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of perseverance means, “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or an instance of persevering: steadfastness.”
That firm belief and determination of the guard for the Shreveport Mavericks has some long miles behind it. Coming out of NAIA Point University in West Point, Georgia in 2013, Paul Parks embarked on a steady flow of minor league basketball experiences that not only tested his skill set in the backcourt but also propelled him to keep investing in his dream to play professionally. Parks played in the North American Basketball League, the East Coast Basketball League, the American Basketball Association, the Universal Basketball Association, and the North American Premiere Basketball League, a precursor to The Basketball League as we know it today.
It’s no wonder his social media handle reads “Paul Da Great”.
That nine year run certainly tested Paul who suffered heartache and hardships along the way. He did what he does best: he put his head down, dove deeper into his faith and family, and has become one of the feel-good stories during the 2021-22 TBL season that’s seen Paul emerge as an All-Star guard and a team leader for the Finals bound Shreveport Mavericks who face the Albany Patroons in a best of three series that begins with Game 1 on Saturday in Shreveport at the Centenary Gold Dome.
Averaging a team-high 23.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.2 steals (ranks 7th in TBL) per game, while shooting 52.8% from 2-point and 39.3% from 3-point, Paul recently took time to share his personal trials and tribulations away from the game, his strong relationship with head coach Steve Tucker, and how winning a TBL Championship against Albany would overshadow any personal accolades he’s received this season.
Can you describe the feeling and share your thoughts on what it means to reach the TBL Finals? Has it sunk in yet on this accomplishment?
I told myself last year when I signed to play in Shreveport that this year my team will be in the Finals and guess what, here we are. The hard work has paid off and it’s a major accomplishment to play for the Lillie.
What has this journey been like for you coming out of Point University back in 2013. What has been your motivation in pursuing a professional career and getting to this point?
I’ve been through a lot in my life, especially going through some tough situations and battles losing both of my parents – my mother, Ivery Parks, in 2011 – that made me miss my Senior year of college – and my father, Paul Parks, in 2020 – and my sister, Esther (aka Peaches) fighting a case in 2019. It’s been a lot of pain especially getting judged when people really don’t know my story and still don’t. Taking the minor league route to keep my name alive in the basketball world was big to see how far I could make it. I’m still chasing that dream and I never gave up.
Knowing you went through these hardships, does it make this season that much more special?
I’m a walking testimony. These hardships make me go even harder. I could have easily given up on a lot but I keep fighting to grow and be better to be successful and still do to this day. You’ll never know that I’m going through all of this because I don’t show it.
What keeps you going? How do you find the strength to endure such losses and keep moving forward?
My faith and hope, and also my kids and the rest of my family that look up to me.
When did you know that this Mavericks team really had what it takes to be one of the elite teams in the league?
The summer when me and Coach Tucker started putting the team together. I told him to trust me. This was going to be our year, and look at us now.
What have you learned the most from Coach Tucker? How has he helped make you a better professional?
I've learned a lot from Coach Tucker. I’ve always been a professional just being around pros and having NBA friends, but Coach added more structure to my game. He gave me the opportunity and accepted me for me. Coach Tucker’s a real coach who cares about his players.
You've been one of the best guards in the TBL all season long and an All-Star selection. What would it mean to you to win this TBL Championship?
That’s the main goal right there: to win it all. That’s what it is all about. Forget the other accolades. Yes, they are wonderful and very thankful but winning the championship is bigger than all of that. I love that I was an All-Star, but I feel I’ve been snubbed as well. There’s no way I was on an All-TBL team or mentioned to be MVP of the league when I’m on one of the top teams in TBL and had the numbers, but us winning this championship is going to show people different.
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Wendell Maxey has covered and written about professional basketball and sports for 19 years including eight years reporting on the NBA in New York and Portland where his work appeared on ESPN.com, NBA.com, USA Today, FOX Sports, YAHOO Sports!, SLAM Magazine, and The Oregonian among other publications and outlets. Connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn or read through his archive on Linktree.