One thing fans can usually expect from UFV’s basketball program is a high level of individual skill from the players. Parm Bains fits that description and then some.
A fast-paced marksman, Bains employs a style that merges shooting with excellent ball handling to help diversify the offense for the Cascades. Add passing and some hustle and you’ve got a starting point guard in Bains, who now finds himself in his fifth and final campaign with UFV.
To compare NBA guards Steph Curry and Trae Young’s game to Bains’ seems fair given that they also are quick point guards with reliable jumpshots, but it’s not just one player that he mirrors his game off of.
“I actually try to take things from a lot of different players. There’s no one guy that I think I’m exactly like. I watch Steph Curry a lot. He’s my favorite player for sure,” Bains said.
Whether it’s shooting the ball with a clear view or pulling up to shoot with a defender right in front of him, Bains’ lack of fear to shoot often translates to a lot of points for the 5’10 guard, who scored 18 in each of this past weekend’s season-opening games.
A story familiar to most basketball players, Bains’ journey began with a backyard hoop and a dream.
“My older brother played and we had a hoop in our backyard. I would just see him play, go outside, follow him. I was probably like seven or eight years old. He was five years older than me so he taught me a lot.”
School and club play helped Bains hone his craft, until he was ready for the upgrade he had been working toward.
“All throughout highschool like, I loved basketball, that was what I committed to fully. There was always a goal, it was always in my mind, to be honest,” Bains said.
From the moment Bains came to UFV until now, the team has changed a lot, with new players now being one of the storylines of the Cascades 2019-2020 season. So far, so good according to Bains.
“I like our team for sure. We got a lot of hard workers on our team and I think our coaches are [doing] a really good job developing roles. Everybody knows exactly what’s expected of them.”
Roles will be the big change this year. The Cascades have lost a few of last year’s fifth-year players who all had distinct roles in the group. This season it will be a combination of new and returning players; however, a new culture seems to be forming with the team.
“I think we have more energy this year. I think we’ll have more intensity. We’ve been lacking in communication, but I think we actually have guys who are more committed to… I wouldn’t say more committed to playing defence, but guys who just have more energy, who are younger.”
Adam Friesen, head coach of the men’s basketball team, also wants some things changed this year for the Cascades, according to Bains.
“He definitely wants faster pace. That’s been a huge point of emphasis for sure.”
There is no doubt that these UFV Cascades would benefit massively from increasing their pace, but whether they are in the half-court or running the floor, this team is looking like one of the most dynamic UFV varsity programs. This team has a little bit of everything, but with Parm Bains, they’ve got a very capable point guard.
Come watch the Cascades play their first home games on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. here at UFV.
Image: UFV Athletics
Photo: Parm Bains
