AUSTRALIAN guard Riley Parker showed plenty during his first season in the NCAAM as a member of the Saint Francis Red Flash throughout the 2024/25 fixture.

The West Aussie was a revelation for the Red Flash during his junior campaign, proving a consistent performer for the team and leading the way as St Francis reached the NCAA National Tournament, although they were eliminated in the First Four.

Immediately finding a place in the starting lineup, Parker impressed with his ability to play both guard positions, handle the ball and most importantly, find the bottom of the net at a consistent level and prove a valuable contributor on the offensive side of the ball.

It was a slow start to the season for Parker, who struggled to find his feet and match the pace with the Red Flash, scoring seven or less points in his first five outings for the team. However, he flicked a switch from that point onwards, scoring 20-plus points in two of his next three games, and emerging as a key player for the team.

It was certainly a turning point for the combo guard, who scored in double-digits in all but five points in the remainder of the fixture, showing a level of consistency that his teammates simply could not match. A season-high 29 points showcased his ceiling and Parker’s ability to score at all three levels, shooting 4/8 from behind the arc in the match.

He was also in good touch heading into the National Tournament, leading the Red Flash to an overtime win against the Farleigh Dickinson Knights with 28 points, as well as 22 points in another overtime victory against the Chicago State Cougars.

During the Northeast Conference Final, which was also a ticket to the National Tournament, it was a seriously low-scoring game with St Francis claiming a 46-43 win over the Central Connecticut Blue Devils, but Parker still chimed in for an important six points, including a clutch three-pointer to give his side the lead in a tight match.

The Red Flash were matched up against the Alabama State Hornets, and unfortunately fell by two points in a heartbreaking result culminating in elimination. Despite the final score, Parker was impressive with 12 points, overcoming a slow first couple of minutes to drop eight points in the first half and come up with some big plays down the stretch.

On the season, he averaged 13.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals on 48 per cent shooting from the field in a seriously promising junior season, and if he can take the next steps in his development, he should be even better next year.