(1993) - A two-time All-American, Leo Parent, formerly of Lowell, MA was possibly the finest all-around frontcourt player in the history of the men's basketball program. He was elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Playing with fellow Hall of Fame inductee, classmate, and long-time friend Bobby Licare for coach Don Doucette, Parent helped lead the Chiefs to a 27-7 record during the 1987-88 season that culminated with a New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) championship and the NCAA Division II title. One of the most intense players to ever play at the school regardless of the sport, Parent was a dominating inside scorer, ferocious rebounder, supreme defender and shot blocker.
After transferring from Manhattan College, Parent led the Chiefs to a 21-8 record in 1986-87, the first 20-win season in the history of the men's basketball program. He was a first team All-NECC selection, a second team All-ECAC and All-District One pick, and an NABC honorable mention All-American. He ranked 15th in the country among Division II players in rebounding (11.3 per game).
During the improbable 1987-88 season, the 6-foot-6 center was a second team All-American. He was the District I Player of the Year, and named an NECC, ECAC, District I, and UPI New England first team all-star. He was named to the all-tournament team in four tournaments including the NCAA Tournament, and was also named the outstanding player in the Division II national championship.
Playing in 1988-89 as a graduate student under Stan Van Gundy, Leo was a first team All-American, NABC District I Player of the Year and District I Academic Athlete of the Year. With averages of 25.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, he was also selected the Player of the Year in the NECC, ECAC, and UPI New England.
In only three seasons, Parent compiled an impressive list of accolades and records. He was ranked in the top ten in nearly every statistical category - including first in field goal percentage (.547), rebounds (1,011), and blocked shots (246) - and held or shared 18 school records.
Parent and his father, Leo A. Parent, a charter member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, became the first father-son combination in UMass Lowell's Athletic Hall of Fame.
