Reaction to Jabari Parker’s college decision
by Scott M Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports
As unrealistic as it sounds, a majority of the college hoops world was glued to the TV for an ESPNU broadcast around 4 p.m. ET on Thursday.
When top recruit Jabari Parker’s college choice rolled off his tongue Thursday, naturally, the reaction on Twitter told the story of how many people were paying attention to the decision of the Chicago Simeon star, who was tabbed by Sports Illustrated as “the best high school basketball player since LeBron James.”
Interestingly, the setting was almost like a smaller version of James’ famous, long-awaited basketball decision with the hype and delay that went into voicing one syllable.
Unfortunately for Michigan State, Parker’s decision wasn’t four syllables.
“Duke” finally rolled off Parker’s tongue.
“In the fall of 2013, I will be attending Duke University,” Parker said, breaking the hearts of four other schools, most notably Tom Izzo’s Spartans.
Here’s a scroll of the reaction from Parker’s decision that rocked the basketball world:
Chicago Tribune’s David Haugh @DavidHaugh: “Simeon HS. Five hats on a table in gym. College hoops world, ESPN audience awaits which one Jabari Parker will pick. Feels very LeBronish.”
ESPN commentator Dick Vitale @DickieV: “Do u think Santa Claus came early 4 Coach K ?”
Former Duke player Josh Hairston @jhairston15: “Welcome to the fam Jabari!!”
Former Duke player Jon Scheyer @JonScheyer: “@ajthefuture1: @JonScheyer Coack K strikes again in the Chi, i think u had some part in it hahahaha” I can’t take any credit haha”
Current Duke player Mason Plumlee @masonplumlee: “Welcome Jabari !”
Former Duke player Gerald Henderson @GhJr09: “goteeeeeeem!!!”
Former Duke player Jay Williams @Real JayWilliams: Congrats to Coach K & Duke University for the commitment of @JabariParker22 .. He is a class act!
FakeTomYeager @CAACommish: “What??!! Jabari Parker didn’t pick a CAA school?? Get me Aeropostale and the VA 529 Plan on the horn, immediately. #splainintodo.”
Sports Illustrated’s Seth Davis @SethDavisHoops: “Izzo went to church with Jabari on his visit to MSU. Coach K showed his dad a dialysis center on campus where he could get treatment.”
MLive.com Michigan State writer Diamond Leung @diamond83: “Michigan State led race for Jabari Parker, but he didn’t want possible ‘controversy’ … [For more on Hoops world reacts to Jabari Parker's college decision, click here.]
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