Former Argo Esary to abroad in Sweden
STORA FALL — After half a season of professional basketball in Perth, Australia, former University of Providence standout Parker Esary is back stateside to prepare for his next professional opportunity in Sweden.
The five-time All-American just finished his first pro season in Australia for the Perth Redbacks averaging 13.5 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game. However, Esary joined the team halfway into the season and with just one practice under his belt, was immediately inserted into the starting lineup for his first game. In true Esary fashion, she dominated with 25 points and 15 boards in a win.
“I had a practice and then played our first game and we ended up winning which was good,” Esary said.
Originally, Esary was going to take the summer to train and prepare for his first official professional basketball season, but after an American player left the team midway through the season with Perth, Esary jumped at the opportunity to compete in NBL1.
For anyone who has seen Esary play, there has never been a lack of confidence, which is why, despite a whirlwind start and being undersized for a traditional post player, she was still able to succeed among the taller and more experienced players in Australia.
“I think no matter where I’m at, no matter what I’m doing, it’s putting the ball in the basket, no matter who I’m against, you know,” Esary said.
Esary will take the trust to a new team at the end of September and signs with Visby BBK in Sweden where she will be alongside a familiar face; reigning Frontier Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-American from Rocky Mountain College, N’Dea Flye.
“N’Dea actually reached out to me because I was originally going to go back to Perth next season,” Esary explained.
But with the two having roots back in the greater Portland, Oregon area as well as basketball knowledge of each other from the Frontier Conference, a quick inquiry from Flye was enough to convince Esary to join forces in Sweden’s premier basketball league.
“I’m really excited,” Esary said. “She’s really good at creating space and getting to the rim.”
Esary will go to Visby in Sweden at the end of September where she will have the chance to play her first full season of professional basketball.