Duke recruit Jabari Parker was named the recipient of the Morgan Wooten award on March 18. The 6-9 small forward is ESPN Recruiting Nation's number two-rated prospect in the class of 2013.
Parker led Simeon Career Academy (Chicago) to their fourth straight Illinois State title on March 16. Parker tallied 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds in the state championship game. He also dumped in 20 points and collected 15 rebounds in the Wolverines’ semifinals victory.
It's a big-time (honor)," Parker said of the award. "I always dreamed about being amongst the ranks of especially Chicago players, but now I can say nationwide. Hopefully, I can take this and give myself a little bit motivation."
Parker, who battled a foot injury early in the season, averaged 18 points and 10 boards a game this season. Parker picked up his offensive production during the playoffs as he increased his scoring to 21.7 points during Simeon’s playoff run.
The Wootten award is named after the former DeMatha High School (Hyattsville, Md.) coaching legend and given to the McDonald's All-American who demonstrates outstanding character, exhibits leadership and exemplifies the values of being a student-athlete in the classroom and the community. McDonald's established the award in Wootten's name to pay tribute to his achievements as a teacher and coach.
Parker was among six finalist for the award. The other finalist included Aaron Gordon (uncommitted), Aaron Harrison (Kentucky), Andrew Harrison (Kentucky), Dakari Johnson (Kentucky) and Andrew Wiggins (uncommitted).
Parker committed to Duke on Dec. 20. He chose the Blue Devils over BYU, Florida, Michigan State and Stanford.
Other recruiting news:
- Taya Reimer (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) was named the first girls’ basketball player from Indiana to be named the Morgan Wooten Player of the Year. The 6-3 forward has signed with Notre Dame.
Reimer averaged 21.1 points and 8.0 rebounds during her senior campaign.
Reimer was among six finalists for the award. The other finalists were Lexie Brown (Maryland), Kaela Davis (Georgia Tech), Diamond DeShields (North Carolina), Mercedes Russell (Tennessee), Linnae Harper (Kentucky).
- 2013 North Carolina recruit Isaiah Hicks had a monster game in leading Webb (Oxford, N.C.) to the 4A North Carolina state title on March 16. Hicks scored 34 points, grabbed 30 rebounds and blocked seven shots in leading Webb to a 74-70 victory over Statesville.
- According to the San Jose Mercury News, Aaron Gordon (San Jose, Calif./Archbishop Mitty) will announce his college selection at the McDonald’s All-American Game in Chicago on April 3.
The 6-8 power forward tallied 29 points and grabbed 22 rebounds in Archbishop Mitty’s 70-50 victory over Sheldon in the NorCal Open Division championship on March 16. Archbishop Mitty will face Mater Dei for the California state title.
Gordon, ESPN’s fourth rated prospect in the class of 2013, will choose between Arizona, Kentucky, Oregon and Washington.
- Jaren Sina (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Gil St. Bernard’s), the 24th best point guard in the class of 2013 according to ESPN, is expected to be released from his letter of intent to Northwestern according to his father and high school coach Mergin Sina. The 6-2 guard is one of the best recruits to commit to the Wildcats in former coach Bill Carmody’s 13-year tenure. Carmody was relieved of his duties on March 15.
Prior to committing to Northwestern, Sina also had offers from Alabama, Butler, Cincinnati, Memphis, Miami (Fla.), Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John’s and Virginia.
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