After taking a weekend visit to Kansas, Tony Parker is finished taking trips and will likely announce his college choice at the McDonald’s All-American Game, his father told SNY.tv.
“I think he’s going to do it at the McDonald’s Game,” Virgil Parker said Monday morning in a phone interview.
The game is set for March 28 at the United Center in Chicago and is preceded by several days of practices.
Virgil said his son, a skilled 6-foot-9 center from Lithonia (Ga.) Miller Grove High, will choose from among Kansas, UCLA, Duke, Ohio State, Memphis and Georgia. He confirmed that Kentucky and UConn were no longer in the mix.
As for the Kansas visit, Parker tripped to Lawrence along with fellow 2012 uncommitted stars Shabazz Muhammad and JaKarr Sampson and watched Kansas edge Missouri, 87-86, in OT in perhaps the last Border War ever.
“It was good, it’s a really good atmosphere, really good program,” Virgil said. “It was a really good game, a really good game. I thought Missouri should’ve won it. Anytime you’re up by 19 points at one point, you should come out the game with a victory.”
Kansas has a history of producing NBA big men and head coach Bill Self has pitched that to Parker.
“Tony would be like the Morris twins and like [Thomas] Robinson,” Virgil said. “They’ve done a good job with their bigs the last few years.”
He added: “[Tony] liked the visit. They had a really big reception for him, as far as the fans. Kansas fans are really informed and they know their basketball. They treated him really good.”
Tony himself Tweeted: “I sat next to Larry brown today at the game the best atmosphere in my life.”
For now, Virgil said his son was focused on his high school season.
“He has about four more games to win the state, this would be his fourth state championship,” he said.
No more visits are planned.
“It’s time to think it over and nail everything down now,” Virgil said.
UCLA remains a factor and Parker is tight with UCLA-bound point guard Kyle Anderson of St. Anthony.
“I think that UCLA is definitely high on the list,” Virgil said. “Those kids have competed against each other for a long time.”
Duke also remains prominent because Coach K has expressed strong interest.
“Exactly,” Virgil said.
