Jabari Parker commits to Duke - SCACCHoops.com

Jabari Parker commits to Duke

by Duke Hoop

Posted: 12/20/2012 4:43:51 PM


In what has been described as one of the most anticipated and talked about collegiate decisions in recent memory, Simeon Career Academy (Illinois) senior Jabari Parker ended his recruitment by giving a verbal pledge to the Duke Blue Devils in a press conference held at his high school on Thursday afternoon. Parker, the consensus No. 2 overall ranked player in the country, chose the Blue Devils over BYU, Florida, Michigan State and Stanford. He will make it official, as he will sign his national letter of intent during the spring signing period, which runs from April 17 to May 15 of next year.

“I will be attending Duke University,” the 6’8″ small forward said holding a Duke Basketball T-shirt. “I chose Duke because it’s a perfect fit for me. Coach Krzyzewski has really put a key hand in my development, even throughout high school, telling me basic things of what I need to do and I just felt comfortable.”

Since trimming his list down to five in October, two schools clearly stood out above the rest – Duke and Michigan State. As Parker approached Thursday’s announcement, it was viewed as a toss-up as to who would land the Chicago native. Both schools hosted Parker on official visits in late-October and conducted their final in-home visits this week – Duke on Tuesday and Michigan State on Wednesday – to extend one last-ditch recruiting effort. In the end, the Blue Devils emerged victorious, as Parker will most likely put a stamp on Duke’s 2013 recruiting class, which also consists of shooting guard Matt Jones and small forward Semi Ojeleye. Mississippi State transfer, Rodney Hood, will also join the team next year as he is required to sit out this season for Duke due to NCAA transfer rules.

Looking ahead to next year, Duke will lose its superior senior trio of Seth Curry, Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee; however, they will be returning a solid nucleus of talent, headlined by point guard Quinn Cook and shooting guard Rasheed Sulaimon. With more than enough playing time that will be available, Parker’s great size and versatility will be most beneficial in the frontcourt. His offensive skill-set should flourish in Duke’s motion, ball-screen offense as he is capable of scoring from the outside, mid-range and in the low post.

“He makes teammates better with his high basketball IQ and unselfishness,” said ESPN national recruiting director Paul Biancardi “He’s also extremely versatile, his passing skills are advanced and he handles the ball with the confidence of a guard. He may be a freshman in grade next year, but this guy is mature beyond his years.”

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski has compared Parker to former Duke great, Grant Hill, because of his versatility to play multiple positions and for his aggressiveness.

 

As he puts an end to his college recruitment, Parker can now focus solely on his senior season at Simeon. Currently, he is still dealing with the lingering effects of a fracture in his right foot that was suffered in the summer while playing with the USA U-17 team. After going through extensive rehabilitation to speed his recovery time, Parker made a surprise return to the court in Simeon’s season-opener at the Chicago Elite Classic. Estimated at playing 60 percent of his full strength, Parker saw limited minutes while finishing with six points and four rebounds. He played in Simeon’s next two games totaling just nine points and 10 rebounds combined. At first glance, it became evident that Parker is a shell of what he was as a junior. He had limited mobility and most noticeably looked overweight and out of shape. On Monday, Simeon returned to the court but without Parker who is expected to rehab and rest for the next week. He could return for the Wolverines at the end of December, as they will be participating at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, but his father remained noncommittal in an interview with ESPNChicago.com saying, “Right now, he’s a little ways away,” regarding his exact return date.

With his commitment, Parker will become the fifth and most likely the best Chicago-area player to go to Duke after being extended an offer, joining Corey Maggette, Sean Dockery, Michael Thompson and Jon Scheyer. He will also become the 11th player from the state of Illinois to play under coach Krzyzewski.

As a junior, Parker averaged 19.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.3 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. He helped lead Simeon to a school-best record of 33-1 and their third consecutive Class 4A state championship. Parker was recognized as the 2011-12 Gatorade National Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year and he was the first non-senior to capture the Illinois’ Mr. Basketball award.

By Chad Lykins

 

 

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