4-star Dennis Parker, Jr. wraps up official visits
Dennis Parker, Jr. is ranked No. 59 in the updated On3 2023 150. The 6-foot-7 wing forward helped lead his Team Loaded VA team to the Adidas 3SSB Circuit championship averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game. Parker’s game steadily became more consistent.
“I want to win another state championship,” Parker told On3. “Win Gatorade Player of the Year of my state. But really, just personal development, you know, being a more consistent three-point shooter, and I’ve been working on really getting my ball handle tighter, keeping it more on the leash.
Coming off a Virginia state championship at Richmond (VA) John Marshall and a championship game appearance on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit, college programs are prioritizing the four-star. On3 caught up with Dennis Parker, Jr. at the Wootten Top 150 Camp to talk about his visits.
“I’ve taken official visits to Oklahoma State, Georgetown, and NC State,” Parker said. “I don’t have any more planned right now.”
Parker talks visits
Oklahoma State: “Coach Mike (Boynton) and Coach (Larry) Blunt, man, they’re good people. Their team is very good. I had never been to Oklahoma, and Stillwater is a very unique place; it’s an interesting location. The campus is great, and they got good players.
“They think I’m another version of Cade (Cunningham). They see me as a big point guard; I can move it, shoot, I can pass, and can assist.”
Georgetown: “They have a plan for me to be one and done. Me and Coach Pat (Ewing) have been talking a lot. They’re really interested in trying to get me to sign that paper.”
NC State: “I talk to Coach (Kevin) Keatts a lot and Coach Levi (Watkins). They’ve been big on me since my freshman year, so I got nothing but respect and love for them. They got a good plan for me; they see me as kind of like Dereon Seabron-type but think I can be better.
“The coaches like that I can get downhill and create other plays or finish at the basket. They say I’m an unselfish player, and they just love the way I like to win.”
In Parker’s words
“I don’t have any more visits set up,” Parker said. “If I need to, I will set something up, but right at this moment, I don’t feel I need to. I’d say I’m looking around November or December for my commitment announcement. I don’t believe I’ll be signing in the early period.
“My decision is going to come down to where I fit best. Which school has the best plan for me, and where I can achieve my dreams? What school is going to let me play and be the best version of myself?
Parker on NIL
“You know, NIL is very interesting,” Parker said. “I’m learning a lot. I didn’t know that much until I actually took the visits. You could really make a lot of money as a college player now, and it has changed the game.
“But as for the importance of it, in my decision, I mean, it is cool for temporary. But for me, it’s all about getting to that three-letter league. If I have to make less in NIL but better my chances of getting to the NBA, then I’m not going to make a temporary decision.”
On3’s take
Dennis Parker, Jr. has good length and a strong frame. He has a projectable frame that should add weight instantly once in a college strength program. Parker’s defensive ability intrigues. He is a good team defender with great instincts in the passing lanes. he also plays with a toughness and a competitive spirit which nets him production on that end of the floor. The jump shot is streaky, and the release is inconsistent. He does shoot it better off the bounce, with the pull-up, than off the catch as a spot shooter. Parker can get downhill in the half-court, and he absorbs contact in the paint. He is a solid to an above-average athlete. A good player who can affect the game on both ends of the floor.