From UTHS to Division 1: Ian Parham Jr. Takes His Next Shot at UTRGV

For Ian Parham Jr., “Ball is life,” isn’t just a saying. When Ian enrolled at UT High School last fall, he had been preparing for a basketball career since age six.  

When Ian began his senior year at UTHS, he was playing international basketball for Belize, had been training at a basketball prep academy in Florida but had followed his coach D. J. Anderson to Houston and was beginning to play at Good Vision Academy. Ian had also been recovering from a serious torn ACL injury in November 2024, his junior year, and was still struggling with the loss of his father in 2022. 

The UTHS Experience

Originally from Buford, Georgia, Ian landed at UTHS through his mother’s research into schooling options that could accommodate his demanding schedule as a student-athlete. After his injury, the online environment became even more essential, giving him the time and space to focus on recovery while staying on track academically. He says it also allowed him to make the most of every opportunity while still prioritizing his education. 

“The most difficult part was staying disciplined and holding myself accountable every day,” Ian says. “But learning how to manage my own schedule taught me responsibility, time management, and self-discipline—skills I know will help me in college and beyond.”

Ian enjoyed his Professional Communication class taught by Lindsay Hare the most. According to Ian the skills in effective workplace communication and real-world application practiced in class will benefit him throughout college and career.  At graduation he was thrilled to reconnect with principals Darnell Horton and Dan Diehl—whom he had met once before in Houston—and meet his counselor, Malisa Barnes, in person. “She was incredibly kind and supportive throughout my time at UTHS,” Ian says. 

“Everyone I met was welcoming, helpful, and genuinely invested in the success of their students. Meeting the administrators, faculty, and staff in person reinforced how much they care about the students they serve,” he says. 

Making History on the Court

While completing his coursework online, the 6’6” guard was making remarkable progress in basketball. Playing for Good Vision Academy in Houston, Ian helped lead the team to a Southwest Athletic Interscholastic Conference (SWAIC) Division I Championship, earned First Team All-League honors, scored over 1,000 career points, and recorded more than 500 career assists. One of his proudest moments came when he scored 32 points in his first game back from ACL surgery—just 329 days after the injury. 

In a RecruitsZone social media post in March, Ian was called a “versatile guard” and was profiled as “Averaged 21.7 PPG, 5.4 APG, 6.1 RPG, 47% FG this season, displaying his ability to control the pace of the game, creating for teammates, and scoring at all three levels.”

Ian also represented Belize internationally at the U17, U18, and U19 levels, competing in tournaments in Guatemala and Argentina and in the Central America Olympics.

“Representing Belize means a lot to me because of my family’s roots and heritage,” he says. “Being able to wear Belize across my chest on an international stage is an experience I’ll always be grateful for.”

His Father’s Legacy

Behind Ian’s achievements is a story of profound perseverance. He lost his father just before his freshman year of high school. Then came the ACL injury. Rather than let either experience derail him, Ian leaned on his faith, his family, and the lessons his father instilled in him: discipline, hard work, respect, and the belief that anything is possible through dedication. His fondest memories of his father involve playing basketball together. 

“Every time I step on the court, I strive to make him proud,” Ian says. “I carry those lessons with me every day and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.”

Ian’s Next Move

Ian graduated from UT High School on June 6, surrounded by family and friends, along with approximately 300 other grads. He signed with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Division 1 basketball program and is now living in South Texas, currently in summer training. He will major in Management, with an eye toward a future in the sports industry. He is already signed with Octagon Sports, giving him a firsthand look at player representation and team operations.

Said Principal Horton, “We’re proud to count Ian among our UTHS graduates and look forward to watching him take his next shot and succeed not only at UTRGV but in life.”