Why we could get Jabari Parker

[Otule's Glass Eye]

While everyone is talking about Jabari Parker going to a top school like Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, MSU, or others, Marquette is a real sleeper canidate to get him. There are a number of reasons why MU could get Parker. Steve Taylor, Parker's teammate and friend, is already coming here next year. Kendrick Nunn, Parker's other teammate and friend, really likes MU and probably wants to come and play here. Nunn has taken 2 visits to MU, both times he and his father coming away impressed. Along with being a top 10 program and being in the Big East, MU is only 2 hours away from Chicago. Simeon's coach has also made comments about starting a pipeline with MU.

Here are details on Nunn's first visit

http://chicagohoops.hoops247.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1248:class-of-2013-chicago-simeon-star-kendrick-nunn-enjoys-a-strong-unofficial-visit-to-marquette-university&catid=34:recruiting

Parker's father has stated that they want Jabari to go a close school to watch him play, as he doesnt want to fly to have to watch him. Parker wants to go to a school that fits his style of play, have the right type of team and to play with players he's comfortable with, and to have an opportunity to win a NC. MU is a perfect fit right?

We just need a few open scholarships...

[brewcity77]

Right now it's not really worth thinking about or getting your hopes up for. Yes, Taylor is coming, but the odds of Nunn coming now that Wilson has already given a verbal are very low. We'd have to find three scholarships to take both Nunn and Parker, considering that if Otule returns we currently are slated to have 14 scholarship players for 2013-14.

Could it happen? Sure. Guys could transfer, Parker could decide MU is the best fit close to home, any number of different circumstances could lead to it. But getting your hopes up for Parker is even more unrealistic than getting hopes up for Tokoto. Not impossible, but also not at all likely.

[Goose]

Best part about it is that we are talking about the top recruit. When was the last time we had this type of conversation. If Buzz get enough at bats he will land a whale.

[77ncaachamps]

A guy can dream, right? Landing Parker would be a dream. A very awesome one.

But Ohio State's top recruiter just got offered the Illinois job. Think he might have been in on recruiting Parker for OSU?

[brewcity77]

A guy can dream, right? Landing Parker would be a dream. A very awesome one.

But Ohio State's top recruiter just got offered the Illinois job. Think he might have been in on recruiting Parker for OSU?

Doubt it, since Groce hasn't been at tOSU since he took the Ohio HC job in 2008. It'll depend on what the Parker family thinks, but the impression I get is that Illinois is a longshot. I think MU has a better chance than Illinois, though I still don't think MU's odds are good.

[77ncaachamps]

Doubt it, since Groce hasn't been at tOSU since he took the Ohio HC job in 2008. It'll depend on what the Parker family thinks, but the impression I get is that Illinois is a longshot. I think MU has a better chance than Illinois, though I still don't think MU's odds are good.

Thanks for the clarification. Should've done mah HW on him! lol

[GGGG]

Best part about it is that we are talking about the top recruit. When was the last time we had this type of conversation. If Buzz get enough at bats he will land a whale.

About 19 months ago...and that was a better chance than this is.

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=21335.0

[Otule's Glass Eye]

About 19 months ago...and that was a better chance than this is.

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=21335.0

I doubt Miller's choice of Baylor was based on academics. Parker wants to go to a close school that is a succesful program but also is focused on academics, unlike most top HS players.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Parker is a MSU lean.  Ill may have a chance, don't underestimate Groce as a recruiter.  However, AAU pull will not be as strong here as is typical, from all indications, as is family pull and the right fit.  Has Parker even visited MU? 

Chicago coaches are very adept to dealing with these heavy recruiting situations.  They will delay to the end to keep to coaches coming in so that other kids around the stud will stay on the radar and get better offers.  Guys like Nunn, Tate, etc.  Parker will have an offer and spot from any school he wants no matter how long he waits. 

[GGGG]

I doubt Miller's choice of Baylor was based on academics. Parker wants to go to a close school that is a succesful program but also is focused on academics, unlike most top HS players.

He can get that from many places.  Parker has never mentioned Marquette.  Miller actually did.

[Goose]

Sultan
Correct on Miller and Jabari has not mentioned MU. I had heard about a month ago that Parker had at least a passing interest in MU. The person who told me this has shared some decent recruiting info to me over the years, but in fairness, he does not have ties to Buzz like he did with TC.

[brewcity77]

The other factor to consider with Parker is Kentucky. If Calipari is still there, they'll be in the running provided his recruitment stretches out. Right now, the top two players in 2012 are undecided, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if both of them ended up at UK next year. In recent years, we've seen guys like DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Brandon Knight, Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Marquis Teague all go one-and-done at UK (okay, projecting a bit on Davis, MKG, and Teague). Would it surprise anyone to see Nerlens Noel and Shabazz Muhammad do the same thing next year?

I realize they aren't fully in the picture at the moment, and MSU definitely seems to be the favorite, but UK has a knack for slipping in with these types of recruits. Parker, Julius Randle, the Harrison twins...all of them will be hearing from Calipari before all is said and done. I hate to say it, but any time you're hoping for a top-5 prospect, Cal is the man to beat.

[Goose]

UKand Cal definitely has the inside track on any kid he wants and that is not going to change. My point is that with the kids we have coming we could be a very real NC threat. This might be a year and kid that does make the trek to MU. By no means would I be betting the ranch or even $5 that we get him, but think it is well worth the time for Buzz to find out. The one and done kids want to play in FF and play with kids they like, seems to me that MU has both of though things working for them.

[Otule's Glass Eye]

The other factor to consider with Parker is Kentucky. If Calipari is still there, they'll be in the running provided his recruitment stretches out. Right now, the top two players in 2012 are undecided, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if both of them ended up at UK next year. In recent years, we've seen guys like DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Brandon Knight, Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Marquis Teague all go one-and-done at UK (okay, projecting a bit on Davis, MKG, and Teague). Would it surprise anyone to see Nerlens Noel and Shabazz Muhammad do the same thing next year?

I realize they aren't fully in the picture at the moment, and MSU definitely seems to be the favorite, but UK has a knack for slipping in with these types of recruits. Parker, Julius Randle, the Harrison twins...all of them will be hearing from Calipari before all is said and done. I hate to say it, but any time you're hoping for a top-5 prospect, Cal is the man to beat.

I expect UK to get Noel and Muhammad, as well as The Harrison twins and 2014 Andrew Wiggins. I think that Parker is different though. He is strongly considering staying close to home rather than taking the traditional Calipari one and done #1 pick road. His family does not want to fly to watch him play.

[GGGG]

I expect UK to get Noel and Muhammad, as well as The Harrison twins and 2014 Andrew Wiggins. I think that Parker is different though. He is strongly considering staying close to home rather than taking the traditional Calipari one and done #1 pick road. His family does not want to fly to watch him play.

I have heard that.  I have also heard that the idea that they won't fly is ridiculous.  I have also heard that, due to him being a Mormon, that BYU isn't out of the picture entirely.

[awilhelmscream]

I expect UK to get Noel and Muhammad, as well as The Harrison twins and 2014 Andrew Wiggins. I think that Parker is different though. He is strongly considering staying close to home rather than taking the traditional Calipari one and done #1 pick road. His family does not want to fly to watch him play.

Lexington is a 4-5hr drive from Chicago, not a flight

[Otule's Glass Eye]

I have heard that.  I have also heard that the idea that they won't fly is ridiculous.  I have also heard that, due to him being a Mormon, that BYU isn't out of the picture entirely.

If I had to make a prediction today, I think if he chose not to stay close to home, it would be between UK and Duke. If he chose to stay close, it would be MSU or Illinois but Illinois I doubt can get him at this point. If we somehow lose players before this fall, which is when Parker said he wants to decide, and we have open scholarships, then I think we could seriously be in the picture. I don't think he would want to go to BYU just because they are mormon because BYU is nowhere near building a championship team which is what Parker wants.

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Lexington is a 4-5hr drive from Chicago, not a flight

didnt realize that, guess UK has a really good shot then.

[awilhelmscream]

didnt realize that, guess UK has a really good shot then.

Sad as it is, UK has a very good shot.  I grew up down there and hate UK with every fiber of my being so the last thing I want is another blue chipper from what is essentially our back yard playing for that team.  Parker would look damn good in blue and gold

[nyg]

I say Kentucky reloads with Noel and Muhammad, then they too are gone after one.  The kids are not dumb and their AAU/HS coaches will be behind them as Kentucky has become the one and done lottery pick school.  Can't blame them if they were a top ten recruit. 

Parker still has Washington in his sights since his father played there, so keep an eye on that.  

[Pakuni]

Best part about it is that we are talking about the top recruit. When was the last time we had this type of conversation. If Buzz get enough at bats he will land a whale.

If I recall correctly, MU was a finalist for Shannon Brown, who was a top 5 player. Sort of a wishful thinking finalist, since Michigan State was a foregone conclusion for a while, but MU definitely was in his top 3 or so.

Also a finalist for Brian Butch who was RSCI #7.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I say Kentucky reloads with Noel and Muhammad, then they too are gone after one.  The kids are not dumb and their AAU/HS coaches will be behind them as Kentucky has become the one and done lottery pick school.  Can't blame them if they were a top ten recruit. 

Parker still has Washington in his sights since his father played there, so keep an eye on that.  

Sonny played at Texas A&M and is in their HOF.  Doesn't mean UW is out.  Nunn committed and then decommitted from A&M if you remember.

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Sonny played at Texas A&M and is in their HOF.  Doesn't mean UW is out.  Nunn committed and then decommitted from A&M if you remember.

Sonny played at *Washington*

[Dawson Rental]

The other factor to consider with Parker is Kentucky. If Calipari is still there, they'll be in the running provided his recruitment stretches out. Right now, the top two players in 2012 are undecided, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if both of them ended up at UK next year. In recent years, we've seen guys like DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Brandon Knight, Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Marquis Teague all go one-and-done at UK (okay, projecting a bit on Davis, MKG, and Teague). Would it surprise anyone to see Nerlens Noel and Shabazz Muhammad do the same thing next year?

I realize they aren't fully in the picture at the moment, and MSU definitely seems to be the favorite, but UK has a knack for slipping in with these types of recruits. Parker, Julius Randle, the Harrison twins...all of them will be hearing from Calipari before all is said and done. I hate to say it, but any time you're hoping for a top-5 prospect, Cal is the man to beat.

Almost every time, but not this time.  Parker is not your typical HS top recruit.  In fact, he's quite different.  Religion is a big factor with him.  His father has worked with top HS players for quite a while, often with Jabari joining in the workouts.  His favorite statement regarding Jabari is; "Basketball is what Jabari does, not who he is."  His family will be be blown away simply by having Calipari in their living room.   I think the hero worship of basketball players atmosphere at Kentucky and the entitled attitude of some of their recruits will be a negative as well as the distance.  Nor do I think that Calipari will be able to sell them on any unique ability to develop Jabari.  Kentucky does have more experience than anyone else with handling players who are one and dones.  However, the only people who aren't assuming that Jabari will be a one and done are his family.

[nyg]

Sonny played at Texas A&M and is in their HOF.  Doesn't mean UW is out.  Nunn committed and then decommitted from A&M if you remember.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_Parker_(basketball)

Sorry, I thought Dad went to Univ of Washington.  I know I read something about a connection, can't recall.

WIKI has him to Texas A and M.  Actually a nice writeup to read.