Simeon (Chicago) star ends highly-publicized recruitment with announcement that he will join legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski in Durham.
Jabari Parker
Photo by John Rowland
After pulling a blue long-sleeved t-shirt of a gym bag, celebrated Chicago basketball star
Jabari Parker declared that he will attend Duke University next year during an announcement ceremony broadcast live on ESPNU.
Parker, perhaps the most recognizable teenage athlete in the United States thanks to an appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated last May, chose the Blue Devils over Brigham Young, Florida, Michigan State and Stanford.
A 6-foot-8, 225-pound small forward regarded as the No. 6 prospect in the Class of 2013 by MaxPreps, Parker is on pace to surpass fellow
Simeon product Derrick Rose as the most decorated Chicago high school player ever. He has helped the Wolverines win three-straight Class 4A state titles and 66 of their last 70 games.
Simeon was ranked No. 1 nationally in the preseason by MaxPreps but suffered an upset loss to future Duke teammate
Matt Jones and
DeSoto (Texas) last week in an ESPN-televised contest. Parker clearly wasn't himself in that game as he continues to recover from a fracture in his foot that prematurely ended his summer.
As a junior, Parker averaged 19.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game in leading the Chicago powerhouse to a 32-1 record and No. 4 national ranking.
In addition to Parker and Jones, a 6-4 shooting guard, Duke also has a 2013 pledge from 6-6, 215-pound small forward
Semi Ojeleye of
Ottawa (Kan.). Legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski and members of his Blue Devil staff have had the full-court press on Parker for several years, appearing regularly at his high school and club games.
Take a look back at the career of the future Blue Devil through photos and video.
Jabari Parker became the first freshman to start at storied Simeon during the 2009-10 season. After some early struggles, the Wolverines beat rival Whitney Young in the 4A state championship game.
Photo by Greg Behrens
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Parker was back in the state championship winner's circle as a sophomore in March of 2011 after scoring 12 points to help Simeon beat Warren (Gurnee) in the title game.
Photo by Greg Behrens
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Parker drives by Warren star Darius Paul, now at Western Michigan, in the 2011 4A championship game.
Photo by Greg Behrens
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Parker has helped USA Basketball's National Developmental Team win a pair of gold medals.
Photo courtesy of USA Basketball
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Parker has maintained his allegiance to the Nike-sponsored club team Mac Irvin Fire throughout his high school career.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
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Though he was recognized for outstanding play following the game, Parker's appearance in the Spalding Hoophall Classic last January turned out to be a rare disappointment as Simeon was handed a lopsided loss - it's only setback of the 2011-12 campaign.
Photo by Lonnie Webb
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In the face of tremendous media attention (including an appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated in May 2012) and public interest, Parker has maintained a squeaky clean image and seems comfortable with his early stardom.
Photo by John Rowland
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In an effort to accommodate local and national media prior to the season, Simeon held a media day in mid-November, where Parker and the Wolverines showed off their state championship hardware.
Photo by John Rowland
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