MINOT, N.D. – Minot State's new head men's basketball coach Randall Herbst continues to unveil the newest members of his team who plan to continue the recent success of the Beaver program, as Coach Herbst welcomes transfer Kiku Parker Jr. to the hardwood at the MSU Dome.

A 6-foot, redshirt sophomore guard from Sacramento, California, Parker Jr. was a starter for the Saints as he played in 27 games last season at Seward County Community College (Kan.) for current Beavers assistant coach Rylee Hernandez, then the Saints head coach.

"Kiku's growth from day one to his final game at Seward was impressive," Hernandez said. "He values every possession and shows resilience in the face of challenges. He's going to set his teammates up for success.

"Kiku enjoys being held to the highest of standards and has been a joy to coach because of this. I'm looking forward to his continued growth at Minot State University."

After redshirting during the 2023-24 season at Seward County, Parker Jr. started 26 games for the Saints last season, averaging 9.3 points and 2.6 rebounds while adding 90 assists, 33 steals, and 1 blocked shot. He had single-game career highs of 20 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals at Seward County.

"Kiku is a tough, hard-nosed point guard," Minot State's Coach Herbst said. "Strong on-ball defender; loves to get downhill off the bounce, get to the paint and create opportunities for his teammates, and he had a 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio last season.

"He's also got a great work ethic that Beaver fans will love," Herbst added.

Parker Jr., who graduated from Grant High School, showcased that work ethic as early as his junior year in high school when he was named the 2021-22 Max Preps Player of the Year.

"The coaching staff at Minot State makes it feel like family," Parker Jr. said. "I know they'll push me to reach my full potential. I'm excited to compete at a high level with a team that's hungry to win and in a community that supports its athletes."

Parker Jr. joins a Minot State team that opens the season on the road at the NSIC/GAC Crossover, taking on Southeastern Oklahoma State and East Central (Okla.) on November 14 and 15 in Durant, Oklahoma.

The Beavers make their home debut at the MSU Dome on Wednesday, November 19, hosting Bismarck State College at 7:30 p.m.