Bethune-Cookman University Athletics

JUNIOR (2018-19): Parks immediately made his presence known as a "closer" with two late, impact performances in his first Wildcat season ... Against FAU at home, Parks nailed a three to give BCU the lead with just seconds remaining in its first victory over a CUSA school ... Later at Howard, he scored eight consecutive points in the final two minutes to seal an important January conference road win ... played in 30 games with two starts and averaged 18.5 minutes ... averaged 4.2 points and 3.2 boards ... shot .446 from the floor ... had 11 steals and six blocks ... scored season-best 12 points at SSU (2/18/19) and seven rebounds in MEAC tourney vs. Howard (3/14/19).

Before BCU: Parks is a 6-6 Guard/Forward from Des Moines Area Community College that averaged 15.8 points and 6.7 rebounds last season to earn DII First Team All-Region Iowa Community College Athletic Association honors. 

"We are extremely excited to add Wali to our men' basketball program. He is a versatile athlete that can play multiple positions," said Ryan Ridder upon is signing. "Wali will be a great fit with our returning guys because of his high character and unselfishness."

Parks played in 31 games last season and shot 47.9% from the field and 30.2% from three. He dished out 65 assists to 54 turnovers, and was a force on the defensive end with 37 steals and 23 blocks. Parks was a consistent presence on the floor and ranked 13th in the NJCAA with an average of 33.1 minutes per-game. The rising junior also excelled in the classroom and was named a member of the Academic All-Region Second Team in the ICCAC. 

Parks graduated from Iowa City West High School in Iowa City, Iowa. As a senior, he averaged 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per-game. He was named the MVP of the Eastern Iowa All-Star game as a senior and led his team to a runner-up finish in Class 4A. Parks also was a member of the Iowa City West track and field. team. He chose BCU over offers from Nicholls State, Youngstown State, and UW-Green Bay.