Biography and Career Highlights
Paris Parham, a well-respected coach from Chicago's Public League, joined the Illinois State staff prior to the 2007-08 season. In addition to a wealth of recruiting ties, Parham also has over 10 years of college coaching experience.

Prior to joining Tim Jankovich's staff at ISU, Parham served as the head coach at Chicago Morgan Park High School, where he led the Mustangs to a 19-10 record. Morgan Park also captured the 2006 St. Rita Thanksgiving Tournament championship for the first time in school history.

Before his one-year stint at Morgan Park, Parham was the head coach at Phillips Academy High School, where he coached former Redbird Osiris Eldridge and current ISU forward Tony Lewis.

During his time at Morgan Park, Parham was also a two-year head coach for the Illinois team in the Missouri versus Illinois "River War."

In 2004-05, Parham was named the Red Central Conference Coach of the Year after leading Phillips to a 17-10 record, including a perfect 10-0 conference slate. In the 2005-06 campaign, Phillips had a 15-12 overall record.

From 2004-07, Parham also coached in the AAU ranks, mentoring the "Full Package" AAU program. He also assisted at the Chicago Bulls Training Academy.

Parham brings a long resume of college coaching experience to the Redbirds. Prior to his stint at Phillips, Parham served on staff at Maryland-Eastern Shore for three years and at Minnesota State (formerly Mankato State) for six seasons.

At his alma mater, Minnesota State, he served as a graduate assistant from 1995-96, and was a full-time assistant from 1996-2001.

Parham's college basketball playing career included two years each at Lincoln College and Minnesota State (MSU). At Lincoln, Parham set the single-season assist record, and was a two-year team captain.

After transferring from Lincoln to Minnesota State, Parham completed his two-year career with 556 points in 54 games (10.3 ppg). At the conclusion of his time with the Mavericks, Parham ranked seventh in school history for assists in a single season (138 in 1994-95) and eighth for career assists (243).

He garnered All-North Central Conference (NCC) Honorable Mention honors his senior season (1994-95) at MSU and was named the league's co-most improved player. Parham led the NCC in steals as a senior with 45.

He and his wife, Keisha, reside in Normal, Ill., with their two sons, Paris and Kai.

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