Parsons enjoyed his night at ESPYs; ready for next phase of his career
Thursday, July 14, 2011 | Men's Basketball, Scott Carter
Chandler Parsons got a taste of the red-carpet life on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
Parsons was on hand at the ESPYs to accept the 2011 Capital One Cup on behalf of the Gators. Florida won the award during the 2010-11 athletics season as the No. 1 men's sports program in the country.
Parsons played a huge role in that distinction, helping the Gators advance to the Elite Eight and becoming the first Florida player to be named SEC Player of the Year.
But he took a break from basketball on Wednesday to have some fun. Parsons, drafted in the second round by the Houston Rockets last month, returned to Florida on Thursday morning.
Before boarding a plane in California, he talked about what hanging out with the stars on Wednesday night was like. What will he remember the most?
“Just being able to be here and experience that live,'' Parsons said. “I got to be here with the best athletes in the world and there were a lot of celebrities here that I got to meet. It was just a great experience.''
Parsons played it cool when asked if there was anyone in particular he had hoped to meet.
He later confessed he enjoyed meeting and talking with fellow UF alum Erin Andrews and Jenn Brown of ESPN, and celebrity Paris Hilton.
(Photo: Parsons and Virginia Commonwealth coach Shaka Smart at the ESPYs)
“I was just going with the flow,'' he said. “I met a ton of people. It was definitely worth the trip. This is a huge honor for the University of Florida and just a tribute to how hard all of the athletes and athletic programs work.''
As for what's next in his basketball career considering the NBA lockout, Parsons' main objective is to remain in shape and continue to work on his game until the league and players' union can reach an agreement.
Parsons is unable to work out at the Rockets' training facility in Houston due to the lockout and plans to spend much of his time at home in Orlando and in Gainesville training.
He hopes the lockout is resolved sooner than later so he can start his NBA career and play for Rockets coach Kevin McHale.
“It's just a great organization and great city,'' Parsons said. “I'm really excited to play for Coach McHale – just to be able to learn from him and have him as my coach is going to be huge.''
