CHICAGO (WLS) — Candace Parker will become the second WNBA player to have her number retired by more than one team.
Of course, it’s extra special in the Chicago area because Parker grew up in Naperville.
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During her time at Parker’s Naperville Central High School, the Redhawks claimed the state championship title twice. This marked the beginning of many victories Parker would achieve as a basketball player, spanning from college championships to triumphs in the WNBA.
“I think Candace has always been, even though she’s had all kinds of individual accomplishments, she’s always been a team player. And that goes a long way to winning a championship,” said Naperville Central Coach Andy Nussbaum.
Nussbaum remains close with Parker and her family, even two decades after she played for him at Naperville Central. Her number is the only one retired at her high school.
Her No. 3 will join Allie Quigley’s No. 14 as the only two numbers the Chicago Sky has retired.
“Candace is a legend in every sense of the word. She’s won on every team she played on,” said Elizabeth Williams, with the Chicago Sky.
That includes the Las Vegas Aces, where Sky head coach Tyler Marsh was an assistant when Parker played.
“Candace is a basketball savant. She’s a legend in this league, a legend in this city,” Marsh said.
Parker’s achievements include being a seven-time WNBA all-star and a two-time league MVP. She has been part of three different WNBA championship teams, notably with the Sky in 2021 and Las Vegas, where her good friend, Chelsea Gray, currently plays and were in town Monday night.
“It’s just huge for the city, herself, her family, and it speaks to the legacy she’s built,” Gray said.
With plenty of friends and family in attendance, it should be a special night for Parker.
Her jersey gets raised to the rafters at halftime.
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