This was supposed to be Grant Parker’s season.

After spending his first two years at Air Force buried on the Falcons’ bench and last season mostly in a reserve role, the 6-foot-8 forward/center entered the 2009-10 campaign as a starter, team captain and top scoring option.

Through seven games, it looked like it would be Parker’s season. He averaged 17.1 points and 7.1 rebounds – both team-highs – as the Falcons started 5-2.

But Parker has not played since Dec. 8 because of a stress reaction in his pelvis. Wednesday night, when the Falcons play host to New Mexico at 7 at Clune Arena, he’ll be on the bench for the 10th straight game. Air Force is 3-6 without him.

“It’s definitely frustrating. It’s been hard,” Parker said this week. “But at the same time, I’ve just got to try to stay positive and try to get better so I can come back.”

Parker credits his religious faith for helping him remain upbeat – “all I can do is just trust that God knows best and that He’s teaching me something now that I’m going to be able to use for the future,” he said. It’s also helped him stay diligent through what has become monotonous rehabilitation. Parker has spent about four hours per day for nearly six weeks strengthening his core, doing exercises in the pool and using a bone-healing ultrasound device. He also might try acupuncture.

“People don’t realize the amount of rehab time he’s invested,” Air Force coach Jeff Reynolds said.

“It’s just one of those injuries that takes a length of time.”

How long still is uncertain. Parker knows if he rushes back he could tweak the injury and miss the rest of the season.

“I’m definitely anxious to get back,” he said. “But all you can do is try to get better and be positive.”

Grant Parker is the only Falcon among the team’s top five scorers who will be lost to graduation before next season. Photo by