It seems Stephen A. Smith‘s special training to guard Micah Parsons did little during the 2024 NBA All-Star game. Parsons dominated the game and finally managed to fulfill his dream of being an MVP.
Although he would prefer to be the Most Valuable Player on the football field, this isn’t too bad. The event took place on Friday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana. Smith’s team faced off against his ESPN colleague Shannon Sharpe‘s side, for which Parsons starred during the game.
The Dallas Cowboys pass rusher capped off with 37 points, 16 rebounds, and four steals. His silky faints, dunks, and turns caught mesmerized special guest announcer Pat McAfee. It also featured the 6-3, 245-pound “Lion-backer,” leading Sharpe’s team to a 100-91 victory.
Being a Dallas Cowboys player comes with various perks. But it also attracts increased scrutiny and criticism compared to other franchises. Since being drafted in 2021, Micah Parsons has come face-to-face with both sides of the coin. With the pressure of the blue star on his helmet and being unable to deliver a Super Bowl for nearly three decades, Parsons continues to perform at an All-Pro level.
Micah Parsons (Image via IMAGO)However, that’s not enough for the fans of the Cowboys, who want the coveted Lombardi Trophy’s return to Arlington. Until then, trolling will be the constant theme. It was the same after Parsons bagged the All-Star MVP. Social media wants the Penn State alumnus to show a similar level of performance in football.
Now witnessing Parsons’ movement and presence during the All-Star game, few might question why the 24-year-old is so good at basketball. That’s easy to answer. Before choosing football as his main sport in college, the three-time Pro Bowler starred on the court for Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Parsons played as a center for the Harrisburg basketball team. Despite being the same height as All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, he compensated with his agility and strength. In an interview with Penn Live, Harrisburgh’s senior guard, Chris Whitaker, revealed how dominant Parsons was on the court.
Whitaker spoke of a game against Carlisle, which is still much talked about by the locals. In that game, Parsons dropped 25 points and the winning shot to clinch a narrow 75-74 victory.
