ROCHESTER, Mich. — Freshman forward Micah Parrish made an instant impact for the Oakland basketball program, as he averaged 8.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 27 starts. Parrish scored in double figures in 10 of the final 11 games of the season and went on to earn Horizon League All-Freshman Team honors. Defensively, he ranked third in the conference in steals per game and second on the team in blocks per game. 

We sat down with Parrish to discuss what brought him to Oakland, his first year at the collegiate level, and the future of Golden Grizzly basketball. 

What was the importance of spending a post-graduate year at Hillcrest Prep in Arizona?

It was an important step because it got me to work better. One of the main reasons I went there was to get stronger. It was a great tool that more high schoolers should use if they do not get the offers they want or expect by their senior year. In my opinion, it can be more beneficial than going the JUCO route and having to use a year or two of eligibility. 

Did basketball at Hillcrest Prep feel like a college atmosphere in terms of practice, training, and games?

It was definitely different. We were facing some of the top high school teams and top JUCO teams in the whole country. The level of competition and atmosphere was at a different level for kids who went from a small school to a prep school. Guys like me were playing in fully-packed gyms against older competition. For me, that was one of the biggest differences from high school to prep school. 

What led you to play basketball at Oakland?

I got a call from Coach Kampe when I got back from Arizona. It happened right when the pandemic started up. Kampe pretty much told me that he wanted me here. Oakland was close to home during the pandemic and I knew it was a quality school and a good place to be. Those factors helped me decide it would be the best option as a student-athlete. 

You go on to earn Horizon League All-Freshman Team honors as a first-year player at Oakland. Did you expect to start as a freshman or did you think it would take some time to prove yourself before becoming a key player in the rotation?

I expected to have a big role coming in, especially on defense. I knew I would eventually start and help the team with my defense and driving ability, but I honestly did not expect to start almost every game.

Speaking of defense, you consistently made an impact stealing the ball and as a shot blocker. Did Oakland's zone defense play a factor in your success or have you always excelled in those areas?

Defense is something I have always taken pride in. Growing up, I was always stealing the ball, blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, and defending the best player on each team. It is an aspect I have always been used to and enjoy. Playing man-to-man or zone did not really make a big difference. I wanted to run man-to-man at first, but the zone helped the team out, so I just tried to run the zone to the best of my ability. 

Toward the latter part of the season, you played over 40-plus minutes three times in a five-game stretch. How did your body react to the uptick in playing time?

Honestly, I did not even feel it. By that point, I was playing a good amount of minutes in most games, so I got used to it. When I started to play more minutes earlier in the season, I would feel pretty sore the next day, which is why I may have been a little less explosive than expected. But by the end of the year, I was feeling good and getting more dunks because I was not as tired or sore at the end of the game.

What do you want to improve on most this offseason?

I have personal goals this offseason and one of the biggest ones is to get around 195 to 200 pounds. I am 187 pounds right now, so I am not too far away. I feel like I have the best chance to reach those goals by staying on campus with the weight room, meal plan, and weekly schedule. I also want to work on all aspects of my game from dribbling to shooting the ball. Overall, I want to perfect my game and get better every day. 

With Oakland being close to your hometown of River Rouge, are you excited for your family and friends to see you play in person next season?

I am very excited, especially since it will be the first time in about three years for them to watch me play in person. I have not thought about it too much, but now that I have it on my mind, it is pretty cool to realize that I will finally be able to play in front of my family and friends. 

Trey Townsend, Chris Conway, and yourself are three lengthy freshmen who have shown to have a lot of skill and promise with the Golden Grizzlies. What should Oakland fans expect to see from you guys over the next few years?

Rings, rings, rings. I feel like we are going to get multiple rings over the next couple of years, so that is something I am really excited about.