Middleton’s Tylandrius Parks Heads to Spain to Play Basketball
When playing basketball is second nature and you come from a legacy of basketball players, there is only one thing to do, follow your dream of playing professional basketball. That is what Tylandrius Parks is doing as he heads to Spain to play basketball with the Clinica Ponferrada SDP.
Tylandrius has been playing basketball since he was about five years old. He was raised in Grand Junction, Tennessee and later moved to Pocahontas, Tennessee. That led him to being a rostered player on the Middleton High School (MHS) basketball team under Coach James Burkley. Tylandrius learned a lot about basketball from Burkley, and about pursuing his dreams.
“He [Coach Burkley] always told me to be aggressive and don’t be afraid to hurt anyone’s feelings, and to step on people’s toes that you feel are in your way. He said everywhere I go no matter where, I would turn out to be as great as I want as long I stayed aggressive and chased what I wanted,” said Tylandrius.
The professional basketball world is familiar with both sides of Tylandrius’ family. His father, Dexter Cheairs, played semi-professional basketball for the Gulf Coast Flash. On his mother’s side of the family, the name Bobby Parks is familiar not only locally, but domestically and internationally as he had a professional basketball career that spanned almost 30 years as a player and coach, before his untimely death in March 2013.
“I got to meet him [Bobby Parks] when I was in the fifth grade. He had a camp in Grand Junction, but I was very young. I had only heard of him rather than knowing him, and about all his achievements,” said Tylandrius. “He is my mom’s cousin which would make him my great cousin.”
Just like Parks’ son, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who currently plays internationally, Tylandrius will also make his mark next month in Spain. Although he comes from a long line of basketball players, Tylandrius has already made quite a name for himself domestically. After graduating from MHS, Tylandrius continued his basketball career at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration.
Some of his court accomplishments while at Union, although too many to state, include being named twice as Gulf State Conference (GSC) freshman of the week; passed the 500-career points milestone; passed the 500 career rebounds milestone; ranked eighth in the GSC in total rebounds with 185; and reached 1500 career points.
“I played mainly small forward in college and some shooting guard,” said Tylandrius who has fond memories of his time at Union. “I will always remember my junior year, the team we had that made it to the nationals. Even though we lost to the number one team by one point, it was a fun and great experience. I really enjoyed my teammates. Some guys I played with for three to four years have really become some of my closest friends.”
While big changes are coming for Tylandrius as he prepares to leave the states, he is looking forward to the new experiences.
“I honestly will miss the country (Middleton) and how peaceful and quiet it is, and the outdoor activities I love to do, and of course I’ll miss my family. I strive to make my mom proud as she is one of my motivators. Her and my grandma Myrtle B., who has now passed, I know she’s looking down smiling at me. I will continue to make them proud. ” said Tylandrious who also had two other offers to play basketball with one being from Ireland. “I’m looking forward to seeing new things. I have never been outside the country (USA), so this will be an exciting experience for me. “
Playing for Clinica Ponferrada SDP will offer great opportunities for Tylandrius in his basketball career. He realizes his success will all depend on his performance and plans to do his best and enjoy everything he loves about basketball while playing.
“I love the competitiveness and just hearing crowds roar whether they are against me or with me. The atmosphere just feels like I belong,” said Tylandrius. “I want to say I am finally doing what I love and getting paid for it. Even though I am not at the level I want to be at yet, I am blessed to even get this opportunity and I’m also thankful for the help that came with it.”
Tylandrius Parks’ season begins on Friday, September 1, 2023. His fans can watch his games through links he will share on his Facebook and Instagram pages.
Read more local news by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
