Experts weigh in on Jabari Parker's decision


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CHICAGO — Prized high school basketball recruit Jabari Parker announced Thursday afternoon that he will be attending Duke in 2013.

Parker is the top basketball recruit in the United States and has been heavily recruited since his freshman year. Parker attended Simeon High School in Chicago, where he lives, leading the team to three consecutive state titles.

The 6-foot-9, 220 pound forward received offers from nearly every top program in the nation and narrowed his options down to five schools before deciding on Dec. 20: Stanford, Florida, Duke, Michigan State and Brigham Young University.

With the decision to attend Duke, Parker will join a legendary program led by Mike Krzyzewski, as well as two top 100 recruits, Mike Jones and Semi Ojeleye, in addition to transfer student Rodney Hood, a talented player.

Here are some of the reactions from across social media and media outlets.

"Tough year for Mormons...Jabari Parker & Mitt Romney. #BringOn2013," tweeted — Jeremy Guthrie (@TheRealJGuts) December 20, 2012

"Somewhere, Dick Vitale is kissing strangers. Jabari Parker to Duke," tweeted — Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) December 20, 2012

"Congrats @jabariparker22 for the decision!Good luck at Duke man!," wrote former Cougar — Jimmer Fredette (@jimmerfredette) December 20, 2012

"@jabariparker22 Congrats on decision #BYU fans bummed but all in Utah understand. Seek greatness w/Coach K, Merry Christmas#importantthings," tweeted KSL Sports — Tom Kirkland (@tksportsbeat) December 21, 2012

"Jabari Parker will be headed to play for Coach K at Duke. Unbelievable player with a great future ahead of him. I wish him the best!" tweeted — Chris Collinsworth (@cmcollin41) December 20, 2012

"Christmas has come early for Duke basketball and head coach Mike Krzyzewski: Jabari Parker—the No. 2 overall player in the class of 2013 will be a Blue Devil." - tweeted Brady Buck, Duke Chronicle writer.

"Although Duke has turned out national players of year such as Jason Williams, Shane Battier, Elton Brand and Christian Laettner, it would appear Parker, a senior at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago, is the most esteemed prospect coach Mike Krzyzewski has landed in more than 30 years on the Duke bench."" wrote Mike DeCourcy, Sporting News.

Daniel Lewis is an intern with KSL.com, covering the BYU men's basketball team. He currently attends Brigham Young University.

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