DITV956 EXCLUSIVE: Ian Parham Jr. Brought Home Bronze. UTRGV Should Notice the Eight Assists.

In an exclusive conversation with DITV956.com , UTRGV freshman Ian Parham Jr. spoke about representing Belize, trusting the work he put in and what he wants to bring to the Vaqueros.

“The experience as a whole was once in a lifetime! Being able to represent my country and culture was an honor not many people can say they have done.” Parham told DITV956.com

Parham helped Belize defeat Mexico 80–70 and bring home a bronze medal at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. Postgame reports credited the 6-foot-6 guard with 15 points and eight assists.The medal is what gets posted.

The eight assists are what should make UTRGV fans look twice.

Parham did not just score. He created. He found teammates, helped run the offense and affected the game without needing every possession to end with his own shot.

When DITV956.com asked what he learned about himself during the experience, Parham pointed back to the work that came before the moment.

“What I learned about my game is that even during adversity, the work I put in is what I lean on the most and it’ll show in big moments.”

Parham has already had to put that belief to the test.

He returned from a torn ACL and still played his way into a Division I opportunity. At Good Vision Academy, he helped win a SWAIC Division I championship, earned First Team All-League recognition and finished his high-school career with more than 1,000 points and 500 assists.

Those 500-plus assists matter.

They show the playmaking against Mexico did not suddenly appear during one medal game. Parham has been creating opportunities for others for a while.

Now the attention shifts to UTRGV, where Parham is focused on more than earning individual recognition.

“What I’m looking forward to most is building a bond with my teammates and coaches and contributing to winning with my attitude and work ethic everyday. My goal this year is to be the best version of myself not only for me but also my teammates so I can be as dependable as possible when needed.”

That answer may reveal more about Parham than the stat line.A bronze medal does not guarantee him a place in UTRGV’s rotation. He still has to learn the system, adjust to Division I speed and earn his minutes.

But 15 points, eight assists and a bronze medal make for a strong introduction.

He can get a bucket.

He can also help somebody else get shots off and find open pockets for shooters.

And based on what he told DITV956, Parham understands that his value will ultimately be measured by whether his teammates and coaches can depend on him when his number is called.

DITV956 Final Word: The bronze medal brought the attention. The eight assists showed the basketball value. Parham’s words revealed the mindset behind both: represent something bigger, trust the work and be ready when UTRGV needs him.