Friday, August 18, 2000
UC, UK vying for TarHeels recruit
North Carolina rejected power forward
By Mike DeCourcy
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Cincinnati Bearcats and Kentucky Wildcats are involved in a furious, last-minute battle for the services of erstwhile North Carolina recruit Jason Parker.
A 6-foot-9, 250-pound post player from Charlotte, N.C., Parker was denied admission to UNC earlier this week and thus had the letter of intent he signed with the Tar Heels invalidated. Dozens of programs immediately contacted Parker's family to persuade Parker to play basketball for them, but UC and UK are among the four schools left on his list.
Parker's former coach at West Charlotte High, Goswell White, said Michigan and Wake Forest are the only other programs likely to be considered. Michigan is the only one of these schools Parker visited during his initial recruiting process. Parker plans to make a choice by Saturday.
“I think he has the potential to be an impact player regardless of what situation he walks into,” said recruiting analyst Dave Telep, who rated Parker the No.5 player in the incoming freshman class.
Until Monday, Parker thought he would be enrolling at North Carolina this fall.
Then, UNC coach Matt Doherty informed Parker the school would not admit him. Parker's father, Jesse, told the Charlotte Observer that Jason's SAT score was red-flagged because of an inordinately high increase from his previous attempt. He said Jason also has a qualifying score on the ACT but UNC officials were concerned that score eventually would be challenged, also.
But Parker has passed through the NCAA's eligibility clearinghouse and has been certified to compete for the 2000-01 season.
Parker failed to qualify for eligibility this past season. He spent the 1999-2000 academic year at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia.
The Bearcats could use Parker, following last week's injury to power forward Eugene Land.
At UK, Parker would have the opportunity to help replace center Jamaal Magloire.
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 UC, UK vying for TarHeels recruit
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