NEWS: Gee-Gees men’s basketball welcomes Michael Parsons as Lead Assistant Coach

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees men's basketball program is proud to welcome Michael Parsons as the team's full-time lead assistant coach.

Parsons has risen quickly in his career, working some of the nation's top U SPORTS and Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) programs.

Parsons joins Ottawa after serving as an assistant coach with the TMU Bold men's basketball team in 2023-24, working under former Gee-Gees head coach Dave DeAveiro. This summer, Parsons worked on staff with the Calgary Surge, his third summer on staff with a CEBL team.

"I'm thrilled and deeply honoured to join the Gee-Gees and contribute to this storied program," said Parsons. "I'm eager to connect with the uOttawa community and work together towards our ultimate goal of securing a national championship."

Parsons' coaching career began at his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier University, where he served as Head of Scouting & Basketball Operations with the X-Men from 2020-23. Parsons won the 2023 AUS Championship and U SPORTS Silver Medal on a historic run with the X-Men. Following his time at X, Parsons joined the Scarborough Shooting Stars coaching and operations staff and won the 2023 CEBL Championship.

Parsons got his first taste of professional basketball in 2022, working as an Assistant Coach in the CEBL with his hometown Newfoundland Growlers.

"We are very excited to have Michael join our program," said Gee-Gees head coach James Derouin. "He's a passionate, driven, and knowledgeable young coach that I know will be a great fit with our group. I'm really excited to work with him and for him to take the next step in his career with us."

Parsons, a native of St. John's, NL, received his Bachelor of Business Administration with an Advanced Major in Finance and Minor in Sports Management from StFX in 2023.