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
