[tps_header]Kevin Parrom[/tps_header]
[tps_title]NO. 3[/tps_title]
Kevin Parrom went from not knowing anything about the Arizona Wildcats’ rivalry with ASU in 2009 to immediately becoming one of the most discussed players in the series.
The freshman lived up to his Bronx toughness by closing in on ASU’s Ty Abbott in transition and fouled Abbott before he reached the basket. Parrom did not knock Abbott to the ground but he fouled him hard coming across the body, which prompted Abbott to turn toward him and get in his face.
Parrom squared up to Abbott and flashed a big smile while nodding. He did not have to say a word.
He saved his thoughts publicly for Twitter after the game, won by Arizona 77-58 to end a five-game losing streak against the Sun Devils.
“ASWho?!?!?” he wrote. “I’m from tha Bronx, New York. No Easy Buckets.”
The last part of that sentence has become a popular hashtag for Parrom and Arizona fans: #NoEasyBuckets
A year after that episode with Abbott, Parrom and former ASU guard Derek Glasser got into a heated exchange as the buzzer sounded at the end of the game won by the Sun Devils in Tucson. Parrom and ASU just do not mix.
Parrom’s toughness allowed him to work his way through some very difficult times at Arizona. He endured more in one year than any other athlete could imagine.
In 2011, his grandmother and mother passed away from illnesses. He was also shot in his right leg and left hand by an intruder at an apartment complex in the Bronx. At a time when he could have given up, Parrom kept fighting.
That kind spirit, of one who never backed down and persevered like a badass, makes Parrom one of Arizona’s most popular players with fans.
“I can’t dwell on what’s happened to me,” Kevin told ESPN.com in 2011. “My mom wouldn’t want me to. I’m grateful that I’m still here. All I can do is keep living my life and moving forward.”
Parrom played professionally in Finland and Mexico last season. He is rumored to be interested in signing with Reach 1 Teach 1’s team in New York City.
The R1T1 team that will participate $1 Million The Basketball Tournament features some of New York City’s past high school legends, NBA D-League present and former players, overseas pros and Division I alumni.
