For a list of the other Gatorade State Boys Basketball POYs, click here.
THE WINNER: Jabari Parker
THE BASICS
School: Simeon Career Academy (Chicago, Ill.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 220 pounds
Athletic achievement: The returning Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Parker led the Wolverines (30-3) to a fourth consecutive Class 4A state championship this past season. Also named the 2013 McDonald’s High School All-American Morgan Wootten Player of the Year, he averaged 18.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.9 steals as a senior. Parker collected 20 points and eight rebounds in the title-clinching win over Stevenson (Lincolnshire, Ill.). USA Basketball’s 2011 Male Athlete of the Year, he averaged 19.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.3 blocks and 1.4 steals as a junior.
Academic excellence: Parker has maintained a 3.71 weighted GPA and serves as a local school council student representative.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating his time as a youth basketball instructor, he has volunteered on behalf of his church, the National Honor Society and Operation PUSH.
THE PRAISE
“Jabari Parker’s calling card is his versatility and his uncommon ability to put winning in front of individual accolades,” said Paul Biancardi, ESPNU Recruiting National Director. “He possesses a high basketball IQ along with scoring skills to present matchup problems for opponents. A dedicated student and thoughtful to others, Parker is a special player, student and person.”
THE FUTURE: Parker has signed with Duke.
