Former Gator Chandler Parsons to participate in NBA's All-Star Weekend in his hometown
Friday, February 17, 2012 | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Scott Carter
When the Rockets opened the season at Orlando, rookie forward Chandler Parsons did not play in his hometown arena.
Parsons won't have to worry about not making it off the bench during NBA All-Star Weekend next week at Orlando's Amway Arena.
Parsons learned Friday he will participate in the Shooting Stars competition. Parsons will play for Team Texas along with former Rockets guard Kenny Smith and WNBA player Sophia Young. He told the Houston Chronicle on Friday that he wanted to be a part of the All-Star festivities if possible.
“It's cool, especially when I'm from there,” said Parsons, a rookie with the Rockets after becoming the first UF player to earn SEC Player of the Year honors last season. “Just to be out there and be able to take part in some of the festivities, it's going to be a good time to have my family come out there and watch and be able to go to the other events that night, too.
“As a kid, if you told me I would be participating in All Star weekend, I would not believe you.”
According to the Chronicle, the Shooting Stars event features teams being timed as they rotate taking shots from designated spots, needing to ultimately make a half-court shot. The teams that complete the course in the shortest time is crowned champion.
“I haven't even watched this event before but it's going to be fun,'' Parsons told the newspaper.
A second-round pick of the Rockets, Parsons is now in the starting lineup and has been one of the NBA's top rookies. He has gained extra notoriety for an array of dunks including the one in the video below against the Clippers' Blake Griffin:
