Michigan State, Duke, Kentucky Will Make Jabari Parker’s Final List

Simeon star Jabari Parker has spent the bulk of his summer off the court, nursing and rehabbing a fractured right foot.

During his time away from the hardwood, Parker has spent more time pondering his college future on it. And consistent with his opinions since the spring, the same three schools stand out from the rest.

A source tells Busting Brackets that Michigan State, Duke and Kentucky will each find a spot on Jabari Parker’s final list of five, which he plans to announce in September. Parker is still on track for a November announcement, though his camp has forewarned that the Chicago native is not going to rush his decision. Pushing back the timetable for a decision to the spring remains very much in play, as Parker does not want his recruitment to interfere with his high school senior season.

The nation’s top prospect in the class of 2013, Parker tweeted out in July the 10 schools he’s still considering. With prominent programs like Kansas, North Carolina, Georgetown and Florida making the list, the three most innocent programs mentioned are in the driver’s seat as of now for the final two spots. Stanford (Johnny Dawkins connection), BYU (Mormon school) and DePaul (local school) are in serious contention for nabbing the final two spots on Parker’s list, according to someone with special knowledge of the recruitment.

Nevertheless, Michigan State, Duke and Kentucky are the three strongest contenders in the Parker sweepstakes, with Michigan State and Duke leading the way. The health of Jabari Parker remains in flux, but the status of his recruitment hasn’t wavered yet this summer.