Robbie Parris
Canadian Basketball Player and Coach
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Robbie Parris is a former Canadian basketball player and coach. He was a five-time Canada West all-star, one of the only athletes in history to accomplish this feat.[1][2][3] He was also a Candian University ("CIAU") Second-team All-Canadian and a CIAU tournament all-star.[4][5]
(Oak Bay, British Columbia)
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Listed height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Oak Bay High School (Oak Bay, British Columbia) |
| College | University of Victoria (1974–1979) |
| Position | Point guard |
| Number | 20 |
| Career highlights | |
| |
High school
University
Parris played for the University of Victoria for five seasons from 1974-1979.[8][9] He has been described as the point-guard template and precursor to Canadian greats Eli Pasquale and Steve Nash.[7]
Parris was named a Canada West All-star in each of his five seasons: three times as a Second-team all-star (1975, 1976, 1977) and twice as a First-team all-star (1978, 1979).[1][2][6] Only six other athletes in history have been five-time Canada West all-stars: Eli Pasquale, Karl Tilleman, Spencer McKay, Byron Tokarchuk, Andrew Spagrud and Jacob Doerksen.[1][2][3]
In his final season (1979), Parris was named as a Second-team All-Canadian and as CIAU tournament all-star.[4][5][10][11]
Parris graduated with the most regular season points in University of Victoria history and currently ranks 10th overall.[12] He also graduated with the most career playoff points in Victoria Vikes history and currently ranks 9th overall.[13]
Parris was named University of Victoria's MVP and Most Inspirational player several times.[6][7]
The Victoria Vikes performed well under Parris' leadership. In 1979, Victoria finished second in the CIAU tournament and were the Canada West champions.[8][14][15] In 1978, the Vikes were CIAU semifinalists and also were the Canada West champions.[8][14][16]
Coaching
Parris returned to Oak Bay High School as an assistant coach to the senior boys team, where they won three straight Island Championships from 2016-18.[7]
Post-career recognition
In 2005, Parris was inducted into the University of Victoria Sports Hall of Fame.[6][17][18] He was also inducted into the Oak Bay High School Sports Hall of Fame.[7]
Parris' jersey (#20) was retired by the university in 2004, being the first basketball player in the university's history to have his jersey retired.[6][7]