CHICAGO -- Jabari Parker of Chicago's Simeon Career Academy is the Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Parker received the award Thursday during a surprise visit to the school from Alonzo Mourning, a past winner. A member of the LDS Church, he is being recruited by BYU and numerous other schools.
The former Miami Heat star showed up during Spanish class as Parker was presenting a project about Carnival. There was also a formal presentation in the auditorium.
"I'm so grateful for this," Parker said. "I don't deserve this award. This award truly belongs to these guys (teammates) over here."
The latest phenom from the school that produced Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose, Parker averaged 20.4 points and 9.2 rebounds while leading Simeon to its third straight state championship as a junior. He plans to narrow his list to five college finalists this spring, and he said he's "very interested" in staying close to home and going to Illinois, although he hasn't talked to new coach John Groce just yet.
"I (want) to get a chance to know him better," Parker said.
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