Minot State men’s basketball welcomes talented transfer guard | News, Sports, Jobs

Minot State’s new head men’s basketball coach Randall Herbst continues to unveil the newest members of his team who plan to continue the recent success of the Beaver program, as Coach Herbst welcomes transfer Kiku Parker Jr. to the hardwood at the MSU Dome.

A 6-foot, redshirt sophomore guard from Sacramento, California, Parker was a starter for the Saints as he played in 27 games last season at Seward County Community College (Kan.) for current Beavers assistant coach Rylee Hernandez, then the Saints head coach.

“Kiku’s growth from day one to his final game at Seward was impressive,” Hernandez said. “He values every possession and shows resilience in the face of challenges. He’s going to set his teammates up for success.

“Kiku enjoys being held to the highest of standards and has been a joy to coach because of this. I’m looking forward to his continued growth at Minot State University.”

After redshirting during the 2023-24 season at Seward County, Parker started 26 games for the Saints last season, averaging 9.3 points and 2.6 rebounds while adding 90 assists, 33 steals, and 1 blocked shot. He had single-game career highs of 20 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals at Seward County.

“Kiku is a tough, hard-nosed point guard,” Herbst said. “Strong on-ball defender; loves to get downhill off the bounce, get to the paint and create opportunities for his teammates, and he had a 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio last season.

“He’s also got a great work ethic that Beaver fans will love.”

Parker, who graduated from Grant High School, showcased that work ethic as early as his junior year in high school when he was named the 2021-22 Max Preps Player of the Year.

“The coaching staff at Minot State makes it feel like family,” Parker said. “I know they’ll push me to reach my full potential. I’m excited to compete at a high level with a team that’s hungry to win and in a community that supports its athletes.”

Parker joins a Minot State team that opens the season on the road at the NSIC/GAC Crossover, taking on Southeastern Oklahoma State and East Central (Okla.) on Nov. 14 and 15 in Durant, Okla.

The Beavers make their home debut at the MSU Dome on Wednesday, Nov. 19, hosting Bismarck State College at 7:30 p.m.