To date, though, none has the documented resume Parker has. In his illustrious prep career, Parker has won three state championships, corralled numerous All-State awards and become a Gatorade National Player of the Year… all before his senior season.
Now, as a senior, Parker is trying to relish the moment; he knows he’ll never get a chance to re-live his senior year, so he wants to take it all in as it comes his way.
“Definitely,” said Parker when asked about whether the Duke commitment took the pressure off of him. “Now, my main focus is on me and my team. I’m a senior and this isn’t going to happen again, so I’m just trying to enjoy the whole process.”
The nation’s top-rated high school basketball player got dressed and quickly moved his feet toward the exit of Blake Arena’s basement, toward a freedom from reporters waiting anxiously for his latest thoughts on potential college suitors. Huntington Prep (W.V.) swingman Andrew Wiggins, the top prospect for the class of 2013, exited the locker room area without fielding questions from a chunk of media members after the Express fended off pesky New Hampton School (N.H.), 55-47, at the Spalding Hoophall Classic on the campus of Springfield College Sunday evening. Coming off a deflating 46-35 setback to La Lumiere (Ind.) on Saturday, Huntington Prep received a 19-point, 10-rebound performance from Wiggins, who was awarded the game’s MVP honors but then quickly disappeared.
“He won’t admit it, but the recruiting part of it, it’s wearing on him a little bit,” said Huntington Prep head coach Rob Fulford. “I think his mentality is a little bit different and his shot hasn’t been falling this year. He was a pretty consistent shooter last year. One of the things he’s struggled with is his jump shooting. I think he hit a 3-pointer tonight – that was probably the first one he’s hit in a few games. His free throw percentage is really low for a guy that gets there as much as he does.”
One can only imagine how stressful it must be to make a decision that will impact not only his college career — but also his NBA future.
“He’s a good kid. He really is. He’ll talk to you about anything, but once recruiting is brought up, he shuts down.”
Earlier in the year it was assumed that the college commitment of Wiggins, who tallied 19 points (5-11 FG, 1-2 3FG), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers, was between Kentucky and Florida State (both of his parents – both athletes – went there), but North Carolina head coach Roy Williams has visited Wiggins at Huntington “four times,” said coach Fulford, and Wiggins has family in Kingston, NC. Also, coach Bill Self and Kansas are likely to receive a visit at some point from Wiggins, said Fulford.
“The way it would work on that is they’re not gonna tell him where he can’t go,” said Fulford, regarding Wiggins’ parents involvement in the process. “They’re going to have to sign off on it. So if they say, ‘I’d rather you not go there,’ he’s not gonna go there. They’re gonna have to sign off on his choice. He’s gonna make the decision. It’s gonna be his decision, but they’ll have to at least agree with it and from my understanding they’re fine with everyone who’s involved.”
Along with his recruitment getting to him, Wiggins hasn’t been helped much by his body lately.
“He’s been sick for the past couple weeks,” explained Fulford. “He’s had the flu and that developed into – he’s got bronchitis now – so he’s not 100%. He played well. He steps up in those games.”
Still, his game is impressive. Wiggins, being guarded by New Hampton Prep forward and Indiana commitment Noah Vonleh (whom we covered at the National Prep Showcase) utilized his foot speed and positioning to pick up two quick fouls on Vonleh, forcing Vonleh out of rhythm and rendering him much less effective throughout the rest of the game, as he couldn’t be as aggressive as he would’ve liked.
Parker may stay more than one year 2 st that most. I say that because its possible that the bobcats could have that first pick and it goes to the Bulls which like Rosé would be something the Bulls would cherish.