Top-ranked recruit Tony Parker commits to UCLA basketball
By Eric Peck
April 24, 2012 8:05 a.m.
In an offseason that has seen the Bruins put together an already impressive recruiting class, UCLA’s basketball program received another big addition Monday when center Tony Parker announced his plans to attend the university.
Hailing from Lithonia, Ga., Parker, who was rated the country’s No. 7 center by ESPN, will join fellow top-50 prospects Shabazz Muhammad, Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams in UCLA’s highly rated and dynamic freshman class.
Parker was also considering playing for Duke, Ohio State and Georgia, the last of which is closest to home for him.
The 6-foot-9, 270-pound McDonald’s All-American led his Miller Grove High School team to four consecutive state titles and averaged 16.8 points and 11 rebounds in his senior season.
According to Parker, Muhammad, Anderson and Adams played important roles in his decision to attend UCLA. Adams is a fellow Georgian and played with Parker on the Atlanta Celtics, an Amateur Athletic Union team.
Another factor in Parker’s decision was UCLA assistant coach Korey McCray, hired last summer to help coach Ben Howland recruit from outside California; McCray coached Parker on that AAU team and was also important in recruiting Adams.
Parker adds size to a group with huge potential and has UCLA fans excited about the prospect of being relevant on the national stage once again.
Parker’s commitment could give UCLA the nation’s top recruiting class.
Compiled by Eric Peck, Bruin Sports senior staff.
