University of Virginia Library

Parkhill Rumored To ABA,
Refuses Comment On Plans

By BILL BERNO

CD/Saxon Hoit

Barry Parkhill To Appear In U-Hall Exhibitions For ABA Squires?

Reports from many sources
indicate that a press conference
called by the Virginia Squires
this morning is to announce
the decision of Barry Parkhill
to sign with the Squires.

When contacted last night,
Parkhill would neither confirm
nor deny the rumors, saying
only, "I've made my decision,
but I haven't signed anything
yet."

It is widely known that the
Squires, in their bidding for the
Cavalier All-American, did not
match the monetary offer of
the Portland Trailblazers.
However, the proximity of the
ABA club appears to have
entered into the fourth-year
man's decision.

The press conference is
scheduled for 10:30 this
morning, and will be held at
the Scope in Norfolk,
headquarters of the Squires
organization. All facts related
to the case seem to indicate
that Parkhill's intent to sign
with the Virginia team is the
subject of the conference.

Parkhill has repeatedly said
that "everything will be
handled by the front office of
the team I sign with".
Considering the turmoil and
excitement of the Squires'
office as compared to the
relative dormancy of the
'Blazers' hierarchy, one would
have to think that Parkhill will
soon become a Squire.

Adding to the speculation is
the fact that when speaking
yesterday in a telephone
conversation, Parkhill made no
statements, but added, "Call
me back tomorrow (today)".

Parkhill was the first round
draft pick of the Trailblazers in
the NBA draft April 25. He
was chosen by the Squires in
the second round of the ABA
"secret" draft in January.

If Mr. BP does sign with the
Squires, he would be the third
collegiate star inked by
Virginia this year. George
Gervin, a hardship case from
Eastern Michigan and the
Squires' first pick in the
January draft, was signed at
mid-season. Swen Nater,
UCLA's backup center, and
one of the stars of the
American team which defeated,
the Russians in a six-game
series, approved a contract last
week.

Nater will be in attendance
at the press conference today
in Norfolk. Also on hand will
be Squires owner Earl Foreman
and head coach Al Bianchi.

It is assumed that the
Squires will announce the date
and location of the official
signing.

Meanwhile, Parkhill is
talking to no one. "That's the
way they want it," he explains.
At this moment, it seems that
"they" are the officers of the
Virginia Squires organization.