Tom Parker (born July 1, 1950) is an American former standout basketball player at the University of Kentucky who played for the Wildcats between 1969 and 1972.
[1] When Parker matriculated in 1968–69, NCAA eligibility rules at the time prohibited freshmen from playing on varsity teams, thus his official career at Kentucky did not start until his sophomore campaign in 1969–70.
[2] Parker's final season in 1971–72 saw him lead Kentucky back to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight behind an 18.0 points per game average.
[2] Parker also unwittingly played a large part in influencing soon-to-be Kentucky star Jack Givens' decision to attend.
"[4] After his collegiate career, the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association selected him in the sixth round (83rd overall) in the 1972 NBA draft, although Parker never played in the league.