Head Coach Boys Meet Coach Wes Parker

When basketball is played the right way, it’s “The Beautiful Game”. Basketball is a team sport that allows for individual creativity, blending high-paced transitions and constant shifts between defense and offense that make it incredibly entertaining. What I love most in my role as a coach is the journey of seeing a group of individuals slowly mature into a team. Each season, we start as a group of people, and if we’re doing it right, we become a family by the year’s end.

Watching young men grow and improve throughout their journey is immensely rewarding. The unique aspect of Buford is that I get to see many players begin in our Youth Camp and eventually become key contributors to our Varsity Program. It’s amazing to witness that evolution and be part of their story.

I started my basketball journey in Vidalia, GA, playing for four years at Piedmont University, where I also served as a graduate assistant. My coaching career spans 17 years, with the last 11 spent at Buford. I earned my Master’s degree from Piedmont University and my Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia.

I feel very fortunate to have been brought on to the Buford program by legendary coach Eddie Martin. Since then, Buford has become home for me and my family. I’m married to Caroline Parker, a teacher at Buford High School and the Director of Cheer, and together we have twin daughters, Amelia Grace and Lainey Reese, who are enrolled in the Child Care Center at Buford.

In our program, we talk a lot about how everyone’s role may be different, but their value is the same. High school sports hold significant value in playing for your school and community. It’s important for our players to be themselves, use their talents, and commit to the team concept. Ultimately, basketball is more than just a game; it’s a tool for teaching life lessons—accountability, teamwork, discipline, and pride. These skills are what we aim to cultivate in every player.

Coaching Experience:

2015 – Present: Buford High School
2013 – 2015: North Gwinnett High School
2011 – 2013: Tattnall Square Academy
2009 – 2011: Edmund Burke Academy
2008 – 2009: Piedmont College