University of Tennessee Athletics
@Vol_Hoops Q&A: Kwe Parker
August 15, 2016 | Men's Basketball
If you want high-flying dunks, then Tennessee basketball newcomer Kwe Parker is a player that will command your attention. During his recruitment, soaring dunks that highlighted his 45-inch vertical jump wowed on YouTube and social media.
Parker has continued to build on that excitement, showing off in person at the Rocky Top League in Knoxville this summer the skills that make his Twitter handle, @iJump_tooMuch, all too appropriate.
The journey for Parker started at Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, North Carolina, where the played alongside fellow Vols freshman Jalen Johnson. The duo led their squad to a 20-9 record and an appearance in the North Carolina state quarterfinals this past spring.
At 6-2, Parker flies high from the guard position and will wear No. 12 at Tennessee. Please allow us to introduce Kwe Parker (first name pronounced: Kway).
You played football early on in high school. Do you ever miss it, or did you carry over that physical nature to basketball?
"I miss it sometimes. Especially when I get mad on the court, I think about football and calm myself down. I have to try not to be too physical."
The Rocky Top League allowed you to interact in person with the Tennessee fanbase for the first time, how much did you enjoy that interaction?
“It feels really good to get the same love from the fans here that I got at home. I feel like I’m at home here with all of the support.”
You got to know head coach Rick Barnes during the recruiting process. What’s it like to be on the practice court with him now?
"He’s very intense, but he’s also fun on the court. I love that he’s always in the gym and available to us."
Was there a particular moment you knew that Tennessee was the place you wanted to be?
“When I reopened my recruitment, all the (Tennessee) coaches came down to recruit me. I felt like I had a good connection with the coaching staff and built a great relationship with them.”
What was it like the first time you saw your nameplate on your Tennessee locker?
"It was crazy. I was like ‘I’m really in college now.’”
LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry?
“LeBron. He’s my favorite player, and I love his game.”
Who is your mentor in basketball?
"My AAU coach, Kevin Graves. He made us play with a lot of heart and passion, and we played a physical style. That’s where a lot of my physical game comes from.”
