NBA legend Robert Parish to lead 2026 Krewe of Centaur parade

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — NBA Hall of Famer and local legend Robert Parish will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Krewe of Centaur Parade.

“The Chief” is a Shreveport native and one of the best athletes in the city’s history.

Parish was named All-American, All-State, All-District, and All-City in 1972 at Woodlawn High School. He led them to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Class AAAA state championship.

He continued playing at Centenary College from 1972 to 1976, ending his tenure as the school’s all-time leading scorer.

During his final season, he averaged 24.4 points and 18 rebounds per game while leading the Gents to a 22-5 record and a #17 ranking in the AP Poll.

After being drafted eighth in the 1976 NBA Draft, Parish went on to have a 21-year professional career, during which he won four NBA Championships and was named an All-Star nine times.

Parish held five NBA records at the time of his retirement: most career games played, most career defensive rebounds, oldest player to play in a playoff game, most career offensive rebounds in a playoff game, and oldest player to score in an NBA playoff game.

In addition, he was named to the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary All-Time Teams and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.

Krewe of Centaur Co-Captain Greg Atoms said, “Robert Parish’s accomplishments on the court speak for themselves, but his journey, starting right here in Shreveport, is a powerful inspiration to our community.”

“We are honored to have a true Shreveport legend lead the largest Mardi Gras Parade in North Louisiana. It’s going to be a thrill to showcase a real Shreveport Hall of Famer!”  

The Krewe of Centaur Parade is on February 7.