Duke lands prep phenom

The News & Observer

Jabari Parker is coming to Duke.

The No. 2 recruit of the class of 2013 ended months of speculation when he announced Thursday he will sign with the Blue Devils. Parker made his decision live from his Chicago high school, Simeon Career Academy, on ESPNU.

“In the fall of 2013, I will be attending . . .” Parker said, as he attempted to pull a T-shirt out of a black bag, “I will be attending Duke University.”

Parker cited Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski as the reason for his decision.

“He has played a key role in my development throughout high school, just telling me basic things and what I need to do,” Parker said. “I just felt comfortable.”

Parker, a 6-foot-8 small forward, chose Duke over Michigan State, Florida, Stanford and BYU.

The Spartans’ Tom Izzo pursued Parker aggressively and had the final in-home visit with him Wednesday night while Duke played Cornell. Krzyzewski most recently sat down with Parker Tuesday. Parker has been Duke’s top target in this class since the conclusion of his freshman year.

After Parker’s announcement, ESPN recruiting analyst Dave Telep moved the Blue Devils’ class to No. 4 in the national recruiting rankings, making it the top class in the ACC. Before Parker’s choice, Duke had been No. 15.