Considered by many as the first great basketball player in Marauder history,
John Parker was the first cager to have his jersey number (13) officially retired by the University.
Parker had a storied career wearing the Black and Gold. He led Millersville to four consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles under the old Saylor System from 1954 to 1957. During his four-year career, Millersville won 77.2 percent of its games (71-21 record) and logged three consecutive 18-win seasons from 1955 to 1957.
He led the 'Ville cagers to four straight NAIA district playoff appearances capped by a District 30 championship in 1957 and the team's first NAIA national tournament appearance at Kansas City, Mo.
Parker was a three-time All-PSAC first team choice (1955, 1956, 1957) and earned all-league second team honors as a freshman (1954). He closed his career with the distinction of becoming Millersville's first basketball All-American when he received NAIA third team honors in '57.
An outstanding rebounder and the best ever to wear the Black and Gold, Parker totaled 1,587 rebounds and averaged a remarkable 17.3 caroms per game. He holds the 'Ville single game rebound mark (32) set versus Lock Haven in January, 1956.
Offensively, Parker ranks fourth on the Marauder career scoring list with 1,748 points. He once scored 54 points in a win over Davis and Elkins in December, 1956.
After graduation, John played seven years in the Eastern Basketball League. He later went on to an officiating career that included service in the National Basketball Association. And, still is active in the game as a high school referee.
For 40 years, Parker has been employed by the Upper Dublin School District. He was an industrial arts teacher from 1957 to 1967, and served as secondary school administrator from 1967 to 1980. He has held his current post as central office administrator since 1980. He also earned a master's degree in education from Temple University.
