Parker Dec. 20th!

[snake]

Will Parker be a Gator, Spartan, or Blue Devil?! Thoughts, Hopefully from bullis!

[pinecrestgator]

Being in final consideration from a star public school player from Chicago is truly a testament to how far donovan has raised the profile of gator basketball.

[madgator]

Duke or Michigan St.


no way he wears orange and blue.....great thought though!

[your_perfect_enemy]

Duke or Michigan St.


no way he wears orange and blue.....great thought though!

These two are who his dad thinks are the leaders.

[don23lucia]

All signs are pointing to Duke or MichSt, but nothing says that he trimmed his list yet prior to his announcement.

[tupacbiff]

It's a pretty simple decision. By all accounts he is a future pro so he should pick somewhere that will have the greatest long term impact on his pro potential. In order they are:

1) UF
2) duke
3) much st

Very simple comparison beal to
Rivers. Who benefited more from their year in college? Not even close Beal.

[GatorRade]

It's a pretty simple decision. By all accounts he is a future pro so he should pick somewhere that will have the greatest long term impact on his pro potential. In order they are:

1) UF
2) duke
3) much st

Very simple comparison beal to
Rivers. Who benefited more from their year in college? Not even close Beal.

I love our program, but I'm not really sure how you can say this Beal/Rivers comparison had anything to do with our program vs. Duke's. First, we haven't seen either of these players' long-term potential. They just got to the NBA. If you are only talking about draft order, maybe Beal was just always a better player than Rivers? In addition, we occasionally get the opposite effect. Brett Nelson and Joakim Noah are two examples of players whose NBA stock dropped while playing for Florida.

I don't think he could do much better than to come here, but I also don't think he could do much worse with either Duke or Mich St.

[tupacbiff]

I love our program, but I'm not really sure how you can say this Beal/Rivers comparison had anything to do with our program vs. Duke's. First, we haven't seen either of these players' long-term potential. They just got to the NBA. If you are only talking about draft order, maybe Beal was just always a better player than Rivers? In addition, we occasionally get the opposite effect. Brett Nelson and Joakim Noah are two examples of players whose NBA stock dropped while playing for Florida.

I don't think he could do much better than to come here, but I also don't think he could do much worse with either Duke or Mich St.

Are u nuts? Noah stock dropped at UF? He came in not even remotely on the nba radar. His stock dropped when he returned to school for his last year. However that was from the proj #1 pick to down a bit.

Look at success in the nba of recent gators v duke players. No comparison really.

[ETGator1]

I thought BYU was in it?

[GatorRade]

Are u nuts? v

What a pleasant reply.

[QUOTE=tupacbiff;6236482]Noah stock dropped at UF? He came in not even remotely on the nba radar. His stock dropped when he returned to school for his last year. However that was from the proj #1 pick to down a bit.

Yes, it dropped from his second year to his third, just as you are saying. If you attribute draft stock changes to the program, you have to attribute that to the program as well.

Look at success in the nba of recent gators v duke players. No comparison really.

You are missing my point. I am not saying that I can't judge their NBA players against ours. What I am saying is that this success is not 100% derived from the college the player attended. It very well could be that we are simply just selecting the better NBA players.

[tupacbiff]

[QUOTE=tupacbiff;6236482]Are u nuts? v

What a pleasant reply.



Yes, it dropped from his second year to his third, just as you are saying. If you attribute draft stock changes to the program, you have to attribute that to the program as well.



You are missing my point. I am not saying that I can't judge their NBA players against ours. What I am saying is that this success is not 100% derived from the college the player attended. It very well could be that we are simply just selecting the better NBA players.

So let me get this straight...u hold it against UF that Noah went from not on the nba radar to proj #1 pick. However because he opted to return and dropped a few spots that is a negative? I'm sorry but that seems like a poor logicial train of thought.

I think in the UF v duke nba comparison. UF does better with unheralded players and highly ranked players.

[GatorRade]

So let me get this straight...u hold it against UF that Noah went from not on the nba radar to proj #1 pick. However because he opted to return and dropped a few spots that is a negative? I'm sorry but that seems like a poor logicial train of thought.

No, not at all. I am the one who believes that most of these players talents and skills are derived from within, rather than from their colleges. Beal was good before we even signed him. Donovan can help them on their way, but he can only help those that are willing and able. So I don't hold the program responsible for Noah's drop. But nor do I hold it responsible for Noah's ascension, which is what you are doing. If this is the whole case, then Kentucky is the best place to develop talent.

I think in the UF v duke nba comparison. UF does better with unheralded players and highly ranked players.

Maybe, but again these aren't 1 to 1 comparisons. How are you going to compare JJ Reddick's NBA performance with Matt Bonner's or Mike Miller's or Chandler Parsons'? They are all very different players, so it's a flawed comparison.

[REM08]

The problem with comparing Beal and Rivers is that one is Beal and the other is Rivers. You can talk about hype or previous rankings/projections all you want, but unless Rivers would have been picked 3rd in last years draft had he attended UF instead of Beal, its hard to draw any conclusions.

[GatorRade]

The problem with comparing Beal and Rivers is that one is Beal and the other is Rivers. You can talk about hype or previous rankings/projections all you want, but unless Rivers would have been picked 3rd in last years draft had he attended UF instead of Beal, its hard to draw any conclusions.

Exactly. It may not be the most fun for message board banter, but you really can't get any truthful info about UF and Duke from these player comparisons.

[tupacbiff]

The problem with comparing Beal and Rivers is that one is Beal and the other is Rivers. You can talk about hype or previous rankings/projections all you want, but unless Rivers would have been picked 3rd in last years draft had he attended UF instead of Beal, its hard to draw any conclusions.

Duh! That is why we are debating it. Just so happens I am right. Why? Cause I said so.

[Gatorrick22]

I love our program, but I'm not really sure how you can say this Beal/Rivers comparison had anything to do with our program vs. Duke's. First, we haven't seen either of these players' long-term potential. They just got to the NBA. If you are only talking about draft order, maybe Beal was just always a better player than Rivers? In addition, we occasionally get the opposite effect. Brett Nelson and Joakim Noah are two examples of players whose NBA stock dropped while playing for Florida.

I don't think he could do much better than to come here, but I also don't think he could do much worse with either Duke or Mich St.

One could (rightfully) say that coach Donavon has done more with less than coach K has.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Exactly. It may not be the most fun for message board banter, but you really can't get any truthful info about UF and Duke from these player comparisons.

I agree with Tupac here in the sense that for his pro development, he would get more out of coming to UF. Donovan has proven he can put less celebrated players in the pros and they end up being solid players. And Beal proves he can take elite talented 1 & dones and help them become top 5 draft picks. Many Duke players come in highly rated and flop in the pros or end up disappointing.

I'm not saying the Rivers-Beal comparisons give the best indication of the differences between the 2 schools, but I completely disagree with the Noah comment. If he goes as a sophmore, he's the #1 pick most likely. It was a matter of circumstance rather than talent.

In addition, Parker will probably not end up here, but he would be ridiculous in this offense. Period. I wish him well wherever he lands, but Randle sees how well BD can help slow things down after playing for him this summer and we are starting to become a pro factory. I love what BD is doing in all aspects of the program.

[tommyuf21]

I'm not saying the Rivers-Beal comparisons give the best indication of the differences between the 2 schools, but I completely disagree with the Noah comment. If he goes as a sophmore, he's the #1 pick most likely. It was a matter of circumstance rather than talent.

Just compare the top 10 picks from each draft and if you can't see a difference in talent, then you're blind as a bat.

Adam Morrison was the third pick in 2006. That tells you everything.

Noah didn't lose draft status because of UF or even his own performance.

[REM08]

Just compare the top 10 picks from each draft and if you can't see a difference in talent, then you're blind as a bat.

Adam Morrison was the third pick in 2006. That tells you everything.

Noah didn't lose draft status because of UF or even his own performance.

Are we going with hindsight or where he actually would have been picked. No question that was a weak draft, but I'm not sure most would have projected him first overall that year preceding the draft.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Just compare the top 10 picks from each draft and if you can't see a difference in talent, then you're blind as a bat.

Adam Morrison was the third pick in 2006. That tells you everything.

Noah didn't lose draft status because of UF or even his own performance.

I think the way I wrote that may have come across wrong. My statement should have been, it was a matter of circumstance due to the difference in overall draft talent between the 2 years, not because of Noah's talent.

[tommyuf21]

Are we going with hindsight or where he actually would have been picked. No question that was a weak draft, but I'm not sure most would have projected him first overall that year preceding the draft.

I remember there being major speculation that Noah's NCAA performance would propel him to the top pick that year.

Both Horford and Brewer improved their games during their junior year and went much higher than they would have in 2006.

However, with Kevin Durant, Oden and several other very talented freshman added to the draft pool in 2007, it wasn't rocket science to think that Noah would fall somewhat in the order.

[Singaporegator]

Maybe our leading statistician can help out here. You need to look at how the kids were ranked coming out of high school and how the we're drafted or whether they played overseas after leaving college. To the extent that it is available you could rank them by earning after leaving school. There is actually some hard evidence on this if you have the time and skill to organize it into a regression analysis. (I don't).

[RD_gator]

It's a pretty simple decision. By all accounts he is a future pro so he should pick somewhere that will have the greatest long term impact on his pro potential. In order they are:

1) UF
2) duke
3) much st

Very simple comparison beal to
Rivers. Who benefited more from their year in college? Not even close Beal.


Another comparison is which school has developed quality small forwards? I believe that is the position that Jabari Parker will play or will he play SG or both SF/SG?

Florida:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike Miller (5th pick, Rookie of the year),
Corey Brewer (?5th Pick)
Chandler Parsons (2nd Rd; starter for Houston Rockets)
Bradley Beal (3rd pick; played SF at UF)
Waiting in the wings for UF, another quality SF transer in Dorian-Finney Smith.

Duke:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grant Hill (2nd or 3rd pick?)
Shane Battier
?Mike Dunleavy
Luol Deng


If Parker wants to learn an all-around game than he should pick Florida & Billy Donovan. I could potentially see the following line-up (or another combination) for 2013-14 Florida:

PG: Kasey Hill/Wilbekin/Ogbueze
SG: Jabari Parker (he could be the Gators' version of Kevin Durant)
SF: Prather/Frazier
PF: Chris Walker/Finney Smith
C: Damonte-Harris

[GatorLurker]

[QUOTE=REM08;6236785]The problem with comparing Beal and Rivers is that one is Beal and the other is Rivers./QUOTE]

Yep. One was humble and learned from his coach and the other thought coming out of HS that he would school Lebron.

[InstiGATOR1]

BTW, Parker's team plays on ESPN tonight.

[rserina]

I thought it has always been Michigan State because he wanted to play close to home. Never really thought we were in it. Good job recruiting by Donovan, yet again showing that he has reached that "legend" status and is without question the top coach of his generation (in which I would include Calipari, Howland, Barnes, Matta, Self, Few, maybe Izzo, though he would probably get the nod over Donovan at this stage). Unlike fifteen years ago, when Donovan would have to outwork other staffs to get a hearing, now he gets one because he is Billy Donovan, even if the kid has no interest in Florida.

[GatorRade]

Duh! That is why we are debating it. Just so happens I am right. Why? Cause I said so.

By the way, I am not disagreeing with your conclusion that Donovan is a better cultivator of NBA talent than Coach K. I certainly wouldn't argue the opposite. What I disagree is your confidence in such an assertion, given the lack of data (and being that you are a Florida fan, you're not exactly an impartial observer).

[StrangeGator]

If Parker wants to learn an all-around game than he should pick Florida & Billy Donovan. I could potentially see the following line-up (or another combination) for 2013-14 Florida:

PG: Kasey Hill/Wilbekin/Ogbueze
SG: Jabari Parker (he could be the Gators' version of Kevin Durant)
SF: Prather/Frazier
PF: Chris Walker/Finney Smith
C: Damonte-Harris

Don't see a line-up like that under Billy. More likely…

PG: Kasey Hill/Wilbekin/Ogbueze
SG- Frazier/Wilbeken/Graham
SF- Parker/Finney-Smith/Prather
PF- Walker/Yeguette/Prather
C- Damonte-Harris/Walker/Yegutte

I think Parker would like redefine the SF position than play SG. Could actually see him playing some PF if there wasn't already such a logjam.

What's Duke's situation a SF?

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Don't see a line-up like that under Billy. More likely…

PG: Kasey Hill/Wilbekin/Ogbueze
SG- Frazier/Wilbeken/Graham
SF- Parker/Finney-Smith/Prather
PF- Walker/Yeguette/Prather
C- Damonte-Harris/Walker/Yegutte

I think Parker would like redefine the SF position than play SG. Could actually see him playing some PF if there wasn't already such a logjam.

What's Duke's situation a SF?

Agreed. That lineup would be much more likely given the players listed. Parker, imo, might actually be a great fit at that stretch 4 position.

What I am excited for is if Randle comes. I mean, talk about ridiculous front court depth.

Based on what I've seen, Walker seems much more likely to see significant time at the 5 here than the 4, but I've only seen him play a handful of times.

Either way, next years team is going to be ridiculous and maybe the best ever at UF just from a sheer talent perspective (the '04s and the 2000 team in the mix there too obviously).

[Apeman]

I can't believe so many people have Yeguete starting on the bench next season. Really?!?

[InstiGATOR1]

I can't believe so many people have Yeguete starting on the bench next season. Really?!?

My view of next year's depth chart is:

PG: Wilbekin, Hill
SG: Frazier, Graham
SF: Finney-Smith, Prather
PF: Yeguete, C. Walker
C: Harris

So we have an open slot for a big, hopefully Randle.

As it stands now each of the players listed above will play starter or close to starter minutes. If UF does not get Randle or anyone else, then Prather or Finney-Smith will log some minutes at the 4. That will expand the minutes of D.Walker.

[int1974]

So hill starts over Wilbekin from day 1, or do both start in BC?

[gatordd]

So hill starts over Wilbekin from day 1, or do both start in BC?

Kasey Hill will play a ton of minutes no matter who we have

[REM08]

Kasey Hill will play a ton of minutes no matter who we have

Agree. He'll be too good to keep off the floor - I don't care what kind of depth you have.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Agree. He'll be too good to keep off the floor - I don't care what kind of depth you have.

Absolutely. He is as explosive a player as I've seen at the PG position. He reminds me personally a lot of Steve Francis or a less selfish Iverson.

[StrangeGator]

So hill starts over Wilbekin from day 1, or do both start in BC?

Wilbeken's experience and his exceptional defensive skills will be valuable and he may get starters minutes going back and forth between the two guard positions. Frazier may run into match ups that exploit his lack of experience. Hill plays at such an intense level, he will need frequent rests.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Donovan did a great job of developing players like Haslem, David Lee and Chandler Parsons. All of those players took their game(s) to entirely different levels in their respective senior seasons. I also think Billy did a great job with the '04s. None of them-except MAYBE Brewer-were considered elite high school talents, yet he turned the four of them into one of the most dominant forces in recent college basketball history.

Donovan is as good at developing talent as anyone coaching in college basketball.

[InstiGATOR1]

Wilbeken's experience and his exceptional defensive skills will be valuable and he may get starters minutes going back and forth between the two guard positions. Frazier may run into match ups that exploit his lack of experience. Hill plays at such an intense level, he will need frequent rests.

Players of Hill's and for that matter C.Walker's stature recruiting wise play about 18+ minutes as Frosh for Donovan. Some have started like Beal, Boynton, Calathes, Brewer, Miller etc others has come off the bench like Young, Roberson, Lee, Harvey, Nelson etc., but they play essentially starter minutes.

[RD_gator]

Today is the day of the announcement!

[Jrok79]

Today is the day of the announcement!

And the Gators feel good with where they stand. :santa:

[GataBaitx3]

And the Gators feel good with where they stand. :santa:

Saw on twitter that JP was down to FL and Duke.

[themistocles]

I love our program, but I'm not really sure how you can say this Beal/Rivers comparison had anything to do with our program vs. Duke's. First, we haven't seen either of these players' long-term potential. They just got to the NBA. If you are only talking about draft order, maybe Beal was just always a better player than Rivers? In addition, we occasionally get the opposite effect. Brett Nelson and Joakim Noah are two examples of players whose NBA stock dropped while playing for Florida.

I don't think he could do much better than to come here, but I also don't think he could do much worse with either Duke or Mich St.

Bret Nelson's Stock dropped because SEC opponents figured out how to effectively shut him down with a very quick defensive guard following his Soph year.

Noah's stock drop due to his injured shoulder his junior season. You may recall that he broke Bill Russel's 40 year old NCAA tournament block record during his soph season and he utterly shut down interior play for UCLA in that first Championship game. Thus, his Pro Stock skyrocketed. His injury slowed him down considerably during his junior year.

However, you are absolutely correct in that one simply cannot make judgments based on a single player and that all of those environments (Duke, UF, Mich St) are usually pretty good for player development, although, that, of course, depends on the player's fit with the institution, the coaching staff and his other teammates during his term at the University.

[HALLGATOR]

Today is the day of the announcement!

3 PM is the time I saw.

[kygator]

3 PM is the time I saw.

That would be central time. 4pm for the civilized world.

[madgator]

I'm thinking Michigan St.


both Donovan and Coach K. made visits in the last few days. Tom Izzo just sitting back and playing it cool like the man holding top set on a rainbow board.

[HALLGATOR]

That would be central time. 4pm for the civilized world.

OK, thanks!

[madgator]

Bret Nelson's Stock dropped because SEC opponents figured out how to effectively shut him down with a very quick defensive guard following his Soph year.

Noah's stock drop due to his injured shoulder his junior season. You may recall that he broke Bill Russel's 40 year old NCAA tournament block record during his soph season and he utterly shut down interior play for UCLA in that first Championship game. Thus, his Pro Stock skyrocketed. His injury slowed him down considerably during his junior year.

However, you are absolutely correct in that one simply cannot make judgments based on a single player and that all of those environments (Duke, UF, Mich St) are usually pretty good for player development, although, that, of course, depends on the player's fit with the institution, the coaching staff and his other teammates during his term at the University.



Honestly, I think Donovan is the best player development coach in the country and I believe it's by a wide-wide margin over both Coach K and Izzo (two coaches I respect a lot)

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Saw on twitter that JP was down to FL and Duke.

Hi official Twitter gives no indication at all.

He's a smart kid, so he may really have not known as of yesterday evening as the reports are saying, but he could also know and just be playing it very, very close to the vest.

The prognosticators aren't always right, but more often than not they are and everything is pointing to a Duke/Michigan State battle. I'd be very surprised if he picks anywhere else.

With that said, it would make my freaking Christmas! :santa:

[ArtVandelay]

I have a source that told me where he is going, but I promised him/her that I wouldn't say anything, so I will wait until he announces to tell you...

[VTGator]

I'm thinking Michigan St.


both Donovan and Coach K. made visits in the last few days. Tom Izzo just sitting back and playing it cool like the man holding top set on a rainbow board.

Izzo visited yesterday. Does that mean MSU must be out? :wink:

Izzo's last words to Jabari Parker made strong impression (http://www.freep.com/article/20121219/SPORTS07/121219078/Jabari-Parker-s-coach-MSU-s-Izzo-made-strong-final-impression)

[VTGator]

This is interesting:

We polled Parker's Simeon teammates anonymously about where they think he will go. Two were split on their opinion.

Florida: 3.
Michigan State: 2.5.
Duke: 1.5.
BYU: 1
Don't know: 3.

Breaking down Jabari Parker's college options (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-12-19/sports/ct-spt-1220-prep-bkb-parker-decision-breakdown-20121219_1_jabari-parker-mason-plumlee-seth-curry/2)

[madgator]

perhaps a little too restricted in the analysis

[kellgator]

I think the best comparison for Billy D is Dean Smith. They used to say that the only person that could hold Michael Jordan under 20 points was Dean Smith, which was true. Smith was dedicated to teaching ALL the other aspects of the game to his players. Billy seems to have the same focus and it shows when his players get to the NBA. They all have well rounded games that stuff 4-5 columns of a stat sheet, not just the points column.

[unclepaulie]

Parker to UF :whistle:

[tupacbiff]

I think the best comparison for Billy D is Dean Smith. They used to say that the only person that could hold Michael Jordan under 20 points was Dean Smith, which was true. Smith was dedicated to teaching ALL the other aspects of the game to his players. Billy seems to have the same focus and it shows when his players get to the NBA. They all have well rounded games that stuff 4-5 columns of a stat sheet, not just the points column.

No need to insult billy by comparing him to dean smith. Dean as evidenced by Roy Williams was a horrible judge of character. None of the people in Billy's coaching tree have done anything as remotely as disgusting as Roy the cry baby Williams.

[jvpanico]

Bullis just said Parker to Duke on another thread. Looks like this one is over. He is nearly spot on each time.

[flgatormike]

Michigan State?

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20121220/GW0201/312200046/Jabari-Parker-picks-Michigan-State?odyssey=mod|breaking|text|FRONTPAGE

[flgatormike]

Strange, there was a story about Parker committing to Michigan State, now the story has been taken down....

[unclepaulie]

Key word is "nearly"

[flgatormike]

I read the story before they took it down. It basically says Parker committed to Michigan State with ESPNU present and it talks about it being Iso's greatest recruiting class, blah, blah, blah. The story was written as if it had already happened. It was only up shortly then taken down. It was the first link here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=lansingstatejournal+parker+picks+michigan +state&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=fflb#hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=1&gs_ri=serp&gs_mss=lansing%20statejournal%20parker%20picks%20m ichigan%20state&pq=lansingstatejournal%20parker%20picks%20michigan %20state&cp=14&gs_id=3v&xhr=t&q=lansing+state+journal+parker+picks+michigan+stat e&pf=p&client=firefox-a&hs=Pp8&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&channel=fflb&sclient=psy-ab&oq=lansing+state+journal+parker+picks+michigan+sta te&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.eWU&fp=a7e118819f5e1e5b&bpcl=40096503&biw=1463&bih=1004

[UFreak]

They probably got the scoop and someone from the Mich State camp or Jabari camp asked them to take it down because they are ruining Jabari's speical moment.

Somebody probably let it slip to the press because they couldn't contain themselves.

[GataBaitx3]

They probably got the scoop and someone from the Mich State camp or Jabari camp asked them to take it down because they are ruining Jabari's speical moment.

Somebody probably let it slip to the press because they couldn't contain themselves.

There were two different articles. One where he committed and another where he didn't. Wouldn't take you much from it.

[jaxgatorjag]

Parker commiting to UF would be huge for Gator Nation following yesterday's commitment from QB Will Grier.

[UFreak]

There were two different articles. One where he committed and another where he didn't. Wouldn't take you much from it.

Ah, I see. They have both written so that they can get them up immediately when he announces. Got it. Some dolt uploaded them.

[flwgator2]

@michaelsobrien: Gossip is that Jabari Parker is leaning to Florida and his parents want Duke. Haven't heard much MSU chatter the past few hours.

@P_Munley: @michaelsobrien it's been Florida for about a week now.. Guys I went to HS with that know him said he decided a week ago.

Austin Rivers part 2?

[eastowest]

Its going to be live on the U in a few min.

[ApexNC]

I don't remember the rankings of Lee & White...I know Brown was #1. Would Hill, Walker & Parker be right up there with them as far as recruiting rankings?

[Bradass]

I don't remember the rankings of Lee & White...I know Brown was #1. Would Hill, Walker & Parker be right up there with them as far as recruiting rankings?

On paper, this would pretty easily be Billy's best class.

[GothamGator]

I don't remember the rankings of Lee & White...I know Brown was #1. Would Hill, Walker & Parker be right up there with them as far as recruiting rankings?

Right, Kwame was #1, Lee and White were both top 10-15, I believe. All 3 were McD AA.

2001 was Billy's best class at signing day. Measure it the following September, not so much. Measure it one year later, not so much at all.

[ApexNC]

I saw Lee, White & Brown play in the hamburger AA game in Cameron back in the day. A buddy and I wore Gator gear and did the chomp much of the game. We were giddy. Too bad that trio didn't work out as planned

[UFreak]

Link? I went to ESPNU to watch it but was asked to provide my cable provider info and got bounced. Any other way to watch this?

[REM08]

Chicago Sun Times writer tweets Jabari likes UF while his parents like Duke. His mom must love her some jewelry.

Michael O'Brien ‏@michaelsobrien

Gossip is that Jabari Parker is leaning to Florida and his parents want Duke. Haven't heard much MSU chatter the past few hours.

[UFreak]

Jabari Parker is trending ahead of the Mayans right now on Twitter

[UFreak]

commercial break

[GatorLurker]

Chicago Sun Times writer tweets Jabari likes UF while his parents like Duke. His mom must love her some jewelry.

LOL

I don't think that I can rep you again on the site, but it is rep-worthy.

[traubgator]

how good is jabari for real? is he better than beal was? i know hes got the hype, but beal was nasty!

[ApexNC]

LOL

I don't think that I can rep you again on the site, but it is rep-worthy.

I repped him for you :happy:

[REM08]

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/livenow?id=7096071

[gottapanda]

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/livenow?id=7096071

Thanks!

[UFreak]

duke

[gottapanda]

Duke

[gator85jd]

Jabari is a Duke Blue Devil.

[UFreak]

whatever

[BengermanV]

Darn.

[REM08]

Damn

[UFreak]

damn it. Go get Randle

[JohnC1908]

Thanks for the link though REM.

[fox]

I thought that was a gator blue hat he had in his hand.

[ApexNC]

Probably just one year...but Gator Bait nonetheless

[tupacbiff]

Proves that he is not as smart as portrayed. He makes a shortsighted decision that is flawed. Nothing like putting your future career second for silly reasons.

[UFreak]

Proves that he is not as smart as portrayed. He makes a shortsighted decision that is flawed. Nothing like putting your future career second for silly reasons.

I don't know man. I have a feeling he will be plenty successful at Duke and then in the NBA.

[ugaGator]

figured Duke all the way.

I hope I'm not the only one that was hoping he wouldn't pick us. I want Randle more.

Best wishes to Parker at Duke!

[UFG8rGuy3283]

I thought that was a gator blue hat he had in his hand.

This. For a minute I was thinking, holy f'ing crap!

I hate Duke. You can't help but think the main reason Coach K took the US Olympic job was for recruiting purposes.

Jeff asked me, who is their best pro? Battier? Boozer? Maybe I'm forgetting someone?

[gottapanda]

This. For a minute I was thinking, holy f'ing crap!

I hate Duke. You can't help but think the main reason Coach K took the US Olympic job was for recruiting purposes.

Jeff asked me, who is their best pro? Battier? Boozer? Maybe I'm forgetting someone?

Probably the Booze. Laettner was in the league for awhile, All-Star in 1997.

[GatorLurker]

Proves that he is not as smart as portrayed. He makes a shortsighted decision that is flawed. Nothing like putting your future career second for silly reasons.

In reality he couldn't make a horribly bad decision. It just was probably a wee bit sub-optimal.

I'm not surprised.

I wish that I could interview him after being around Coach K being Basketball Coach K and K swearing up a storm. I think that will not go over well with the person that JP is.

[don23lucia]

figured Duke all the way.

I hope I'm not the only one that was hoping he wouldn't pick us. I want Randle more.

Best wishes to Parker at Duke!

I was just talking to my boy today about this. Randle would be over the top but at the end of the day we are gonna be loaded next year regardless.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Probably the Booze. Laettner was in the league for awhile, All-Star in 1997.

Exactly.

Look, Jabari is a smart kid and I wish him well. He made what he felt is the best decision for him and I will never fault a kid for that.

With that said, if you aren't a Gator.....:wave:

[gottapanda]

Probably the Booze. Laettner was in the league for awhile, All-Star in 1997.

Oh wait, we both forgot Grant Hill. He's #1 by a mile. Elton Brand was decent, as well.

[gatorcal]

This. For a minute I was thinking, holy f'ing crap!

I hate Duke. You can't help but think the main reason Coach K took the US Olympic job was for recruiting purposes.

Jeff asked me, who is their best pro? Battier? Boozer? Maybe I'm forgetting someone?

Right now - definitely Kyrie Irving. In addition to the 2 you mentioned, Deng, G. Henderson, and actually Redick are all doing very well.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Right now - definitely Kyrie Irving. In addition to the 2 you mentioned, Deng, G. Henderson, and actually Redick are all doing very well.

LOL, great examples....I knew my memory was short cited. Yes, Deng and Irving are very good NBA players. I certainly stand corrected.

[GatorLurker]

Probably the Booze. Laettner was in the league for awhile, All-Star in 1997.

Deng is decent as a pro.

Battier was an unappreciated pro. His stat line wasn't the best, but he really played the game well.

It takes a while to get the Dukie off of you when you go Pro. The baseball equivalent is to be de-Cubbed.

[UFreak]

Boy, we really are a football school. No. 1 player in the nation was considering us and I have to say, this NBN board is really not nearly as crazy as it should be. If this was the No. 1 football recruit announcing, the mods would have to be merging like seven independent threads on the subject and banning multiple posters.

[ArtVandelay]

Boy, we really are a football school. No. 1 player in the nation was considering us and I have to say, this NBN board is really not nearly as crazy as it should be. If this was the No. 1 football recruit announcing, the mods would have to be merging like seven independent threads on the subject and banning multiple posters.

I was all over this until he got bumped to the #2 recruit and then I lost interest...

[GatorLurker]

Boy, we really are a football school. No. 1 player in the nation was considering us and I have to say, this NBN board is really not nearly as crazy as it should be. If this was the No. 1 football recruit announcing, the mods would have to be merging like seven independent threads on the subject and banning multiple posters.

I love basketball and don't give a crap about football, but I count my blessings when the fan base at my school is not going to go postal when an 18 year old kid makes a decision.

What you think is bad, I think is healthy.

[Ahab]

Duck Fuke!

[don23lucia]

It's being reported it was indeed down to us and duke.

[StrangeGator]

Boy, we really are a football school. No. 1 player in the nation was considering us and I have to say, this NBN board is really not nearly as crazy as it should be. If this was the No. 1 football recruit announcing, the mods would have to be merging like seven independent threads on the subject and banning multiple posters.

We didn't creep up high on his list until late. Even then we always looked like a long shot. I didn't come over here to find out because I saw it on the local news while tracking the storm. FWIW, nobody in Chicago thought he'd come to UF.

Speaking of Chicago, I hope we stay on top of Jahill Okafor. Looks like we'll be going up against Duke with him as well. He's another smart kid from a good family. Probably even smarter since he goes to WY. No idea where we actually stand with him, except we're officially in his top five with no "apparent" leader.

[RD_gator]

This was a lot closer for UF than many thought. Oh well.
With Finey-Smith, Prather, & Frazier, I thought that the Gators may have been fine at SF!

[tupacbiff]

Being reported that Parker's older brother was the main consultant on the decision. Now we know that Jabari has a scape goat for his mistake. I feel bad that he did not make tge optimal decision for himself.

[GothamGator]

Give Jabari credit. He's a smart kid who made a very deliberate decision. You can't criticize a kid for choosing Duke. It's a great program with top academics and a legend for a coach. He followed his heart on this one.

We should all root for good kids and good people to do well, and he certainly fits that mold.

If you haven't seen, SI breaks down his recruitment, including the final days.

http://m.si.com/603910/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-jabari-parkers-decision-to-attend-duke/

[Jonas]

I wish that I could interview him after being around Coach K being Basketball Coach K and K swearing up a storm. I think that will not go over well with the person that JP is.

Pretty sure Billy D does the same thing. Maybe not the level of Coach K.

[tupacbiff]

Give Jabari credit. He's a smart kid who made a very deliberate decision. You can't criticize a kid for choosing Duke. It's a great program with top academics and a legend for a coach. He followed his heart on this one.

We should all root for good kids and good people to do well, and he certainly fits that mold.

If you haven't seen, SI breaks down his recruitment, including the final days.

http://m.si.com/603910/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-jabari-parkers-decision-to-attend-duke/

Disagree. Of his final 5 it was the 2nd best choice. No reason for a kid in his position to not make the best choice for his future. He will regret his choice when he looks back and thinks what if.

[tampajack1]

Disagree. Of his final 5 it was the 2nd best choice. No reason for a kid in his position to not make the best choice for his future. He will regret his choice when he looks back and thinks what if.

I seriously doubt that he will regret his choice, and I'm a Gator homer.

[GatorLurker]

It's a great program with top academics

Why would you care about academics if you are one and done?

[RD_gator]

Disagree. Of his final 5 it was the 2nd best choice. No reason for a kid in his position to not make the best choice for his future. He will regret his choice when he looks back and thinks what if.

Tupac, Parker may regret it if Florida has more NCAA tourney success than Duke!
:happy::punk:

[gatordee]

Tupac, Parker may regret it if Florida has more NCAA tourney success than Duke!
:happy::punk:

That would depend on how far we went. Maybe if we went to the Final Four and he believed if he was here, it would have been enough to win it all. Other than that, he is happy to be NBA bound. IMO, he could care less how deep we go

[tommyuf21]

That would depend on how far we went. Maybe if we went to the Final Four and he believed if he was here, it would have been enough to win it all. Other than that, he is happy to be NBA bound. IMO, he could care less how deep we go

I don't think Austin Rivers cared either...

[lean_gator]

Who was the last stud recruit we got that was a suprise pickup? Like, it was a tossup and we were not the favorites?

[diamondted13]

This. For a minute I was thinking, holy f'ing crap!

I hate Duke. You can't help but think the main reason Coach K took the US Olympic job was for recruiting purposes.

Jeff asked me, who is their best pro? Battier? Boozer? Maybe I'm forgetting someone?

Nobody hates Duke as much as I do, but in their defense, they have had a lot of good, if not great, pros under Coach K. Let's not forget also that many have had bad luck staying healthy (Brand, Hill, Hurley -car wreck). J Williams was headed to stardom too if not for that awful motorcycle accident.

[tupacbiff]

J Williams heading to stardom? He is the epitome of a dumb athlete and has no decency what's so ever. Biggest mistake the bulls made was not voiding his contrac and suing him for breach of contract to claw back his signing bonus. Stupid
Decision.

As for Parker, I've already stated why it was not his best decision and I've already stated he will regret it.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Nobody hates Duke as much as I do, but in their defense, they have had a lot of good, if not great, pros under Coach K. Let's not forget also that many have had bad luck staying healthy (Brand, Hill, Hurley -car wreck). J Williams was headed to stardom too if not for that awful motorcycle accident.

Pretty sure I admitted to not thinking of quite a few Duke guys a few comments up

[bullish]

Bridesmaid sucks. Oh well, Randle your up. Come on in to a very talented team next year. Be a man and help lead the Gators to the Final Four. Recruiting nationally is a tough job. Everybody that waits to pick a school boils down to what some other people tell the recruit to do based on perception. Our record on getting Chicago recruits I don't even remember one who has come down here in basketball. The SE of the US and the east coast is where most of the kids come from. I guess in college basketball you can't pick your fights but common sense says these advisors will always favor the teams the media loves to talk about. Duke is one of them. Florida doesn't have a long basketball history of being a highly ranked school so these people from the far off locales always seem to turn prospects away from us. Think WWW, as an example, if he sells for us this doesn't help him. If he sells for Kentucky, the media loves this for some strange reason.

Mich. St. was as close as we were for Parker, I wonder how Izzo feels? I never felt Parker was coming to Gainseville. I know he liked Billy, but, when they wait too many people start giving advice then at the end, the recruit caves and bellows "Playing at Duke and playing for Coach K a legendary coach was too much to resist", this is an easy out for the kid. You know, you can't go wrong, they are always in the Final Four. LOL

I love Billy though, but it must be hard taking the calls I appreciate ya'll recruiting me but.......... I have decided to go to ............... fill in the blank. It must make it especially great when we a recruit tells you, I want to be a Gator!


Next:beat:

[GatorLurker]

Who was the last stud recruit we got that was a suprise pickup? Like, it was a tossup and we were not the favorites?

D. Harvey comes to mind.

[jmoliver]

Too many of the top players just default to committing to one of the "blue blood" teams. He is not going to get any better coaching, education, draft status or life skills at Duke than he would get at any of the other choices. It just sounds better to commit to a perennial powerhouse. Sucks for Billy because it appears he has to work a lot harder to field a top 10 team than other guys.