RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Ouachita junior forward Christian Parks was named the Great American Conference Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday.
When opponents choose to attack the rim, Parks rises up to meet the shot at its peak and send the basketball soaring into the crowd. Across two games this past week, Parks totaled 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 blocks. He averages 10.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 11 games this season.
"Chris takes our defense to another level, especially in the paint," Ouachita head coach Dennis Nutt said. "Having Chris lurking around gives our guys confidence he will protect the basket."
Parks leads the GAC with 29 blocks this season, which ranks seventh nationally among NCAA Division II players. His perfect timing to contest shots and 6-foot-7 frame have made the rim a restricted area.
The junior's impact was on full display during Ouachita's two conference wins last week as the Tigers maintained an unbeaten 5-0 start in league play heading into the new year. Parks matched his season high with four blocks in an 11-point victory over Harding, a defensive showcase that vaulted Ouachita atop the GAC standings. The Meridian, Miss. native raised the bar two days later, swatting away a season-high six shots in a road win at Southern Arkansas. Parks added nine rebounds against the Muleriders, controlling the glass to terminate scoring chances.
Ouachita held Harding to a season-low 55 points last Thursday, then stymied Southern Arkansas to a season-low 51 points on its home court last Saturday. Over the past two weeks, Ouachita has kept three of its last four opponents to their lowest point totals of the 2025-26 season.
The addition of Parks has lifted Ouachita to one of the most disruptive defensive teams in America. The Tigers allow the fourth-fewest points per game and hold opponents to the fifth-lowest shooting percentage among Division II programs. Ouachita leads the GAC in scoring defense, defensive field goal percentage, defensive 3-point percentage, fast-break points allowed, blocks and steals.
At the center of it all is Parks, whose defensive instincts ripple through every possession. Perhaps his two-way ability was best evidenced after he secured a steal and took flight on a fast break to flush home a one-handed slam over his defender in a home win over Arkansas-Monticello on Dec. 13. Ouachita guards feel free to pressure passing lanes more aggressively, wings close out harder on shooters and help defenders leave the interior alone, while knowing the last line of defense is parked behind them.
While the numbers tell part of the story, Parks' value is often felt in the shots that never happen as he forces opponents to redirect their drives and rush floaters, while post players are stuck in the chamber. His ability to defend without fouling keeps opponents from settling into rhythm and allows the Tigers to dictate the tempo. With Parks patrolling the lane, the Tigers look to continue their unbeaten run in GAC play when the calendar flips over.
