Tony Parker of Miller Grove, one of the nation's top junior prospects, joined Score Atlanta's The Official Visit this past Monday. Here is a bit of a rough recap of what he said. You can read full quotes from the piece by following Score Atlanta's The Official Visit on Twitter @OfficialVisit Do it!
Parker was asked what position we should credit him with as he plays center in high school and likely will at the next level but at 6'9 likely would be a 4 at the pro level, which he seems capable of doing. He said he wants to be called "A basketball player."
When asked about the 2011 season thus far as he is averaging over 20 points and 16+ rebounds per game, "We want to be more on our Ps and Qs come playoff time. In the postseason you have to play hard on every play." Miller Grove has won two straight state titles.
Parker was asked about the Wolverines' practices: "Practices are tougher than the games. Very, very intense." Miller Grove currently features two players on the Score 44 as well as two juniors (Parker included) that will be locks for next year. The second five could likely be ranked in the top 10. I've seen them play. They are that good.
On famous coaches such as Coach K, Donovan, Roy Williams, Fox, Hewitt, etc., coming to see him play: I know they're there but it's more about playing and winning. All about the game.
On the recruiting process thus far: It's been great. More schools are coming out (now that I'm a junior). You get used to it.
On the University of Georgia: They play really hard. They really involve their bigs. Mark Fox is doing a great job.
GT: They are a young team but I'm sure they'll pick it up.
Parker seemed really high on Duke and Coach K, noting the history of the bigs that have gone on to NBA success (Boozer and Shelden Williams are two players around Parker's size that played the post at Duke that transitioned to the four in the NBA)
On UNC, Tennessee, Memphis: "They mostly all say the same things, 'they play their bigs.'"
On the Gators: that is a really good program. Look at what Donovan has done for his big players in the pros.
Ohio State: you have to look at that school
On whether he has a top three: Nah, I'm open.
Factors that will influence his decision: style of play, coaching, academics
Timetable: "I'll wait until after this season to narrow down the schools."
He admitted that his parents WILL play a big role in his decision. "I wouldn't be here without them"
On the difference between AAU and high school basketball: AAU is more open while high school is more structure. And high school is more of a sense of urgency. If you lose you are done. In AAU, if you lose, you have another tournament the next week.
First year expectations: "I want to impact the program immediately and be ready to play. I can improve my all-around game. I can be a better complete player."
Parker was a very bright, well-spoken kid that has his head on straight. The success hasn't spoiled him and he could be a player immediately after his final season of high school next year. He has great teammates and great coaching at Miller Grove. The way he spoke so highly of Coach K and Duke leads me to think the Blue Devils have the early lead but don't discount any team that will pound the ball down to the bigs (Georgia.) With Trey Thompkins and Price and Barnes headed out after this year in Athens, Fox will be able to pitch Parker that he could be THE post his freshman year. It still might not be enough to keep him in state, but Parker is only a junior so we'll keep an eye on his process.
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