Did Micah Parsons Play Basketball in High School and College?

Vasudha Mudgal
|Published

Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons has been impressive in the NFL as a defensive powerhouse, and everyone knows who he is because of his flawless skills at shutting the other team down. Standing tall at 6-foot-3 with a solid 245 lbs, it’s not just his football game that’s got people talking. He’s also got noteworthy basketball skills, which landed him a spot in the 2024 NBA All-Star game. This is making people curious about his high school and college bully ball days.

Before Micah Parsons became known for his defensive ferocity in football, he was turning heads on the basketball court at Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Despite being the same height as All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, Parsons played the center position, often going up against taller opponents. Yet, what he lacked in height, he more than compensated with his strength and agility.

Parsons demonstrated significant growth in his basketball skills, becoming a key player for Harrisburg during his junior year. According to senior guard Chris Whitaker, Parsons’ dominance on the court was undeniable. “He’s very, very dominant,” Whitaker praised, highlighting Parsons’ ability to impact games significantly. Parsons’ approach was simple yet effective, focusing on “rebounds and putbacks” and doing the “necessary work down low” to ensure his team’s success, as per Pennlive.

His game against Carlisle—that’s still the talk of the town. Parsons dropped a whopping 25 points, which changed into his excellence that season, and it changed into his shot that won the game with a final score of 75-74. His performance had Parsons lead his group from Harrisburg like a pro, pushing them to the top of their league. It is simply going to expose that whether he’s at the football field or the basketball court, Parsons is a beast, proving he’s got what it takes to dominate in no longer simply one, but two sports.

From the Hardwood to the Gridiron

While Parsons’ high school basketball career was impressive, he chose to focus on football in college, committing to Penn State as one of the top high school football prospects in the nation. Even though Micah Parsons decided to go for football, that doesn’t mean he forgot about his love for basketball. It is clearly visible as day with him showing up at community basketball games and at the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game.

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He might not have taken basketball to college, but his high school days on the court are still something people talk about. It’s like a showcase of his skill to take on anything and stand out.

So, while everyone knows Parsons for his killer moves in the NFL, his time playing basketball back in the day is a testament to his incredible talent across the board. Whether battling in the paint or charging down the football field, Parsons’ dedication and prowess make him a true sports phenomenon.


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About the author

Vasudha Mudgal

Vasudha Mudgal

Vasudha, a dedicated journalist at The SportsRush, has cultivated a deep appreciation for the NFL over the past year. Her journey from being an English educator to a sports journalist is marked by her extensive writing experience and unwavering passion for sports. With a never-ending enthusiasm for reading and discussing the competitive nature of the NFL, Vasudha's favorite player is Patrick Mahomes, whom she aspires to meet someday. A high school basketball enthusiast, she embodies the dynamism of balancing diverse interests in sports. Vasudha's prolific writing career boasts around 400 articles, all centered on the intricacies and excitement of the NFL.

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