Parker/Jones Matchup tips off ESPN High School Showcase

On Monday the 2012-13 GEICO ESPN High School Basketball Showcase schedule was released which will feature a total of 36 nationally ranked prospects from the ESPN 100, ESPN 60 and ESPN 25 and the top seven teams in the ESPN 25 Power Rankings. The 14-game schedule will be broadcasted across three major ESPN networks — ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU — beginning from December 13, 2012 through February 10, 2013.

From a Duke-related standpoint, a lot of attention will be turned to the event opening nightcap on Thursday between No. 1 Simeon Career Academy (Illinois) and No. 19 DeSoto High School (Texas). Jabari Parker, the No. 2 overall ranked player in the class of 2013, will lead Simeon (1-0) against Duke signee Matt Jones, the No. 36 overall ranked player, and DeSoto (10-1) in front of head coach Mike Krzyzewski and members of the Duke coaching staff at 9:30 on ESPN.

Parker, who made his on-court return from a right foot injury December 1 in Simeon’s season opener, is currently considering the Blue Devils along with BYU, Florida, Michigan State and Stanford. He is expected to end his college recruitment in either January or February after completing his fifth and final official visit to Stanford. Duke is viewed as one of the likely destinations for Parker along with Michigan State.

Jones, who helped lead DeSoto to the Arlington Classic Championship with 20 points on December 4, is one of two Duke signees from the 2013 class. A 6’4″ shooting guard, he is highly regarded as the best pure shooter in the senior class, with range extending out to the NBA three-point line.

The 2013 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic will also be featured January 20-21. The six-game event will bring together the elite of the elite including Parker and Simeon.

The full two-month schedule for the ESPN High School Basketball Showcase is listed below as your viewer’s guide:

By Chad Lykins