Jabari Parker, one of the top three players in the class of 2013 according to most recruiting services, is headed to Duke.
Top recruit Jabari Parker commits to Duke
Former Sports Illustrated cover boy Jabari Parker will be suiting up for Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils next season.
Mark Dolejs-US PRESSWIRE
Parker, who appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated earlier this year under the headline “The Best High School Player Since LeBron James,” picked the Blue Devils over Michigan State, Florida and others. ESPNU televised the announcement, which was made from inside his high school gymnasium.
A remarkably skilled 6’8 forward, Parker was named Gatorade national Player of the Year for 2011-12. He also became the first non-senior to be named Illinois’ Mr. Basketball after he averaged 19.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.3 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game last season for Chicago’s Simeon High.
The Blue Devils are assured of losing seniors Ryan Kelly, Seth Curry and Mason Plumlee from this year’s team, but the addition of Parker should still make them one of the favorites to win the national title in 2013-14. Duke is currently 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in both national polls.
Parker’s senior season has been limited thus far due to a broken right foot injury he suffered over the summer.
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