Atlantic Cape Buccaneers Men’s Basketball Sophomore Christopher Parker Signs with Division I South Carolina State University

MAYS LANDING — Christopher Parker, an Atlantic Cape Community College sophomore business major and standout men’s basketball student athlete, has officially accepted a full scholarship offer to play basketball for South Carolina State University (SCSU) in Orangeburg, SC beginning with the 2025-26 academic year.

Parker, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, is currently in his sophomore year at Atlantic Cape. The 6 ‘5 Parker’s exploits on the hardwood have been noticed by nearly a dozen Division I colleges and universities, including SCSU, which plays in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with seven other universities including Delaware State University and Howard University.

Parker is ecstatic and grateful to get the chance to attend a university and play basketball close to home next year.

“It's close to home. I am literally from right up the road, about 40 minutes away, so my pop, my mom and my sisters will be able to come to my games,” said Parker. “I also really liked what the coach (head coach Erik Martin) was talking to me about. They have a couple of guys leaving, so I will really get a chance to show what I can do at the Division I level.”

In the meantime, Parker is solely focused on proving himself this season and winning with his Buccaneers teammates.

“I want to show my leadership skills on the court this year, making sure that I am being more vocal on the court and being a leader,” said Parker. “My goal, though, is to win a championship this year.”

Buccaneers Head Coach Allen Ragland is excited to see all that Parker brings to court this season.

“Christopher has transformed his game and conditioning, thus positioning himself as a leading force in the league (National Junior College Athletic Association and Garden State Athletic Conference),” said Ragland. “Christopher is all set to make him mark as a formidable presence this year.”

Parker followed up his official signing by dropping 33 points, pulling in 15 rebounds and adding four assists in the Buccaneers second game of the new season against non-conference opponent Cape Fear Community College on November 3 in a 78-75 loss.

The Buccaneers open the home portion of the 2024-25 season this Saturday, November 9, 2 p.m. against the Community College of Philadelphia on the Mays Landing campus in Jonathan Pitney Gymnasium.

Visit atlanticcape.edu/mensbasketball to view this season’s schedule, roster and coaches.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.