By the start of preseason on November 10 for all winter sports, Athletic Director Bobby Starks and Assistant AD Laura Gill had completed their search for a captain to man the ship that is the boys’ basketball program. On November 1, Starks named Kevin Holmes the head Varsity Coach and Alan Ferguson the Junior-Varsity Coach.

“I really liked both of the candidates,” junior captain Nick Kupferberg said of Holmes and Ferguson, both of whom were finalists for the head job.  “They are both open to talking with their players and always staying open to feedback.”

Starks was candid about the search. “It’s very important to include the students in the process of selecting which coach we’re going to go with this season,” Starks said. “Although this was a very difficult decision, we’ve made a resolution and have chosen to stick with both coaches.  These coaches have lots of experience and will serve as great mentors this year.”   

Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association in 1986 and a seven-time all-star in Europe, Holmes has three sons who are all professional athletes. The oldest of the three, Andre, wears number 18 as a wide receiver for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders.

“All three of my kids reached the professional level that they perform at because of their work ethic,” Holmes said. “What’s most important is how much work you all want to put into this year. When it comes down to it, that’s what will determine your success.”

Ferguson, who attended the Latin School of Chicago for fourteen years, understands Independent School League (ISL) basketball.

“If you boys want to win, practice is the time to utilize to get better,” Ferguson said. “I’m all about bringing you guys to the next level. A coach needs to make his players better from the beginning of the season to the end, and I feel like I can do that for you guys.”

Ferguson, who coached at Muchin College Prep during the ‘14-’15 season, believes that he can use his experience and expertise to his advantage at Parker.

Some of the highlighted matchups this year include a home game versus Latin on Friday, December 4 at DePaul University and an away game against Latin on Friday, January 29 at Loyola Academy. “I believe that we can do something special this season,” Holmes said. “This group has a ton of potential, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.”

Also on their schedule are two games apiece against familiar schools like Northridge Prep, North Shore Country Day, University High, and Morgan Park Academy.

“It’s crazy how soon practice is starting,” senior Misha Rogers said not long ago. “My goal for this year is to beat Latin in the Whiteout game. It was a super close finish last year, and I feel that we can pull it off,  especially with the guidance of our new coaches.”

The boys’ first tip-off this season was on Monday at Ridgewood High School.