Parsons the 'complete package' for Giants

The Northern Star Resources Goldfields Giants have acted quickly in their search for a replacement restricted player, signing versatile American forward De’Sean Parsons for season 2024. 

Parsons, who played both college basketball and football at Portland State University, joins the Giants as a highly regarded and experienced player, having spent the last seven years playing internationally throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East, with stops in Armenia, Russia, Finland, Slovakia, Israel (twice), Vietnam, Hungary and most recently in Iceland, where his season concluded last week. 

His versatility on the court to play multiple positions, and providing input at both ends of the court has seen him earn numerous accolades across his various stops, which included being named League Most Valuable Player in Slovakia in 2021 and in 2022 being named the League Defensive Player of the Year in Israel. 

A constant double-double threat every game, along with his court smarts with passing and defensive abilities will make him an instant asset to the team, alongside fellow American Randy Bell as the Giants’ other restricted player.  

Parsons said he will “bring confidence to the team” and “a competitive spirit to win”. 

“As a player it’s hard to describe myself. I do a lot of different things on the court. I'm very versatile, I can play big and small ball,” he said. 

"I know that the league is highly competitive each night so I’m excited to get the opportunity to play here.  

"I’m just excited to be here this season. Blessed to be able to be a part of an amazing organisation and I hope the community is ready to see some high-level basketball played in Kalgoorlie.” 

Men’s head coach Matt Van Pelt, who coached against Parsons in Vietnam, said he is a versatile player who can guard every position on the floor. 

“De’Sean was top two in scoring and rebounding in Slovakia and he has a really good resume,” he said. 

“He has been defensive player of the year before and he takes a lot of pride in his defense which I really like. 

“We are a defensive-minded team and we are trying to be top of the league this year in defense - we are really prioritising that side of the ball and he fits that with his ability to guard big guys and small guys. 

“He can really pass the ball offensively – he's not just a scorer, he’s not a true post player, he’s a very versatile offensive player who can push the pace. 

“He’s really improved his midrange shot over the last few years. He’s got a good feel, he picked up our offense quickly, and he has a high IQ - he brings a lot to our team.  

“He also has a very good energy, communicates well, will get nasty on defense, and he’s got an edge to him. 

“He’s pretty much a complete package as far as versatility and bringing something different to the table goes.” 

Parsons has wasted no time between his seasons, playing his final game in Iceland on Thursday evening before departing to Australia and arriving into Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Sunday evening. 

We are looking forward to seeing him out on court as we head into the 2024 NBL1 West season.