Washington State’s DaVonte Lacy after getting hit in the face by Kevin Parrom. Photo by James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Wildcats senior guard Kevin Parrom is being dealt with “internally” after his ejection for a “flagrant two” foul on Saturday, although he will be available for the next game, coach Sean Miller said Tuesday.
Parrom was ejected with 10:42 to go in the first half at Washington State after hitting DaVonte Lacy in the face with his right fist.
It wasn’t exactly a punch — it was more of a backhand from Parrom as he was trying to get into position for a rebound — but Miller said the officials made the “right call” after seeing the contact above the shoulders.
“Kevin responded to a physical block-out. … He didn’t handle it well and retaliated. He certainly didn’t throw a punch, but he flailed his arm back and, unfortunately, connected above the shoulders,” Miller said on the Pac-12 coaches teleconference.
“We’re very disappointed in Kevin.”
Parrom is known for his physical play — the “no easy baskets” mentality — but it does not always manifest itself in a good way, Miller said.
“I’ve had numerous meetings with him throughout his career,” the coach said. “… Sometimes he can react to physical play, not in a positive way for our team, but in a negative way.
“I would like to think that this will be the last incident that he will ever have along these lines. Kevin is a great kid. He’s certainly not a malicious guy. But you have to be able to play through contact, not put your team in jeopardy.
“He’s a senior. He’s someone who is a long, long way from the learning curve.”
Parrom, the team’s top reserve, is fourth on the Wildcats in scoring at 8.2 points per game. He is averaging 4.8 rebounds and shooting 38.7 percent (24 of 62) from behind the 3-point line.
Arizona plays Stanford at McKale Center on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Kevin Parrom passes by teammate Nick Johnson as he prepares to leave the court following his ejection from Saturday’s game. Photo by James Snook-USA TODAY Sports