University of Virginia Library

Parkhill Goes ABA, Stays In Virginia

By BILL BERNO

A signing hailed as a "truly
outstanding event in the
history of the Virginia Squires"
took place in Norfolk's Scope
yesterday when former
Cavalier Barry Parkhill nked a
long term, no-cut contract with
the American Basketball
Association club.

Squires' owner, Earl
Foreman, opening a special
press conference, said, "This is
a big day for the ABA and for
professional basketball in
America."

He continued, "For three
years, we have followed the
great career of Barry Parkhill at
the University of Virginia. We
made him the first
undergraduate draft pick three
years ago. Unfortunately, our
pick was disallowed."

"We felt we should strike
up a relationship between
Barry's coach, Bill Gibson, and
the Squires. We had to advise
him of the Squires' intentions.

He then read excerpts from
a letter sent to Mr. Gibson over
two years ago, telling him that
the Squires "would never
contact Barry Parkhill until his
eligibility was completed."

Foreman concluded his
remarks by saying, "We are
looking forward to a long
playing career for Barry. He is
Al Bianchi's (Squires coach)
hand-picked choice."

Reported $350,000

The Squires thought
enough of the All-American to
sign him to a no-cut contract
for a reported $350,000. At
the same time, the team
announced the signing of
UCLA's Swen Nater.

Nater was never seriously
considering signing with the
Milwaulkee Bucks, the NBA
team that drafted him, because
"they wanted to play me at
forward."

Four Years Of Memories

Parkhill told reporters he
had decided to pick the Squires
over the rival Portalnd
Trailblazers of the NBA
because "I love the state and
wanted to stick around. It was
a really tough decision. I was
treated very well by both
clubs."

Erving and Nater

Two other reasons given by
the departing fourth-year man
were the chance to play with
Julius Erving, the most
spectacular forward in pro
basketball, and Swen Nater,
Parkhill's roommate at the
Olympic Trials. The money
differential between the two
clubs was "very close."

When queried on the role
he planned to play with the
Squires, Parkhill replied, "I
know what I think they want
out of me. I think I can make
the adjustment. Whatever they
want me to do, I'll try to do."

Undoubtedly, he is going to
enjoy playing with someone
like Erving in the frontcourt.
"I can't wait (to play with
Erving); just to watch him. I'm
looking forward to it."

Nater was given Squires
jersey number 31. Will the
Squires allow Parkhill to keep
his number 40? "That's a good
question," he said. "I never
thought about it. I guess I'll
have to ask about that."

Hopefully,B.P. Won't Have To Do Much Rebounding With The Squires