Well there you have it! Another one of Chicago's finest ballers has made his big college decision! Jabari Parker will be attending Duke University!
Earlier today the nation's No. 2 senior was at a press conference held at his school, Simeon Career Academy, where he declared he will be joining the Blue Devils over BYU, Stanford, Florida, and Michigan State.
Check out his decision above and why he chose Duke. You gotta love all the support this kid gets. I can't wait to see him play next year! I believe Jabari is the missing piece to win a championship!
When it comes to high school basketball, it's not as hyped up as much as college basketball or the NBA. However, Jabari Parker is one of the nations best high school players that many basketball fans know about. Parker is the son of former NBA star Sonny Parker and being just 17 years old Parker has been making major headlines recently.
ESPN's Dave Telep joined Jabari in Dallas, Texas where Simeon Career Academy played their second game of the year. However, Simeon lost to DeSoto (67-57) with Parker only having 5 points. Both Mike Krzyzewski and Tom Izzo were in attendance for the game, as well as other college coaches. In my opinion, there was no way that Jabari could have been nervous because of the coaches. It was only his second game back after he fractured his right foot.
Recently, I heard Jabari live on the Waddle and Silvy show. I have never met Jabari and don't know much about him besides his basketball skills, but I can truly say he is one of the most sincere and humble athletes out there. He doesn't let the media or fame get to him or his teammates. And I also can't forget to mention that he maintains a 3.7 gpa! Wow! When listening to any interview of his, I can tell he does it for his whole team, his city, and he just wants to be the best. Reminds me a lot of Chicago's very own Derrick Rose!
D Rose also went to Simeon, but he only won two state titles in his time there. Parker has already won three and is going for his fourth. On the Waddle and Silvy show, Parker mentioned how Rose is a big role model for him and gives him a lot of advice. He also stated how he is very good friends with Chicago native and now New Orleans Hornet, Anthony Davis.
Jabari Parker is considering BYU, Duke, Stanford, Florida, and Michigan State. Being a Duke fan myself, I am definitely hoping he commits to Duke! Above you can check out the video of Parker and Telep as he discusses his college decision date, what he is looking forward to, and how important team relationships are.
Last night, ESPN's 30 For 30 premiered the powerful tale of "Benji" - Ben Wilson, ranked the highest rated high school basketball player going into his senior year at Simeon High School (later Derrick Rose's alum). Wilson was sadly gunned down before the senior season started and it was a tragic end to a promising career that was felt not only in Chicago, but across the country in 1984. The documentary, directed by Coodie & Chike, not only tells the story to a new generation of people, but can also help illustrate and draw parallels to some of the same issues going on in our city, and the country, in 2012. Join me in watching above and for even more on the topic, read the magnificent article on Ben Wilson from the homie Scoop Jacksonhere.
