Recruiting Expert: Only Three Schools Have a Shot at Jabari Parker

After something of an expected disappointment this morning (we'll be fine without Chris Walker), Adam Zagoria has some good news for Kentucky fans on the lookout for the 2013 class. According to recruiting expert Roy Schmidt, based in Jabari Parker's hometown of Chicago, only three schools have a decent chance of landing the elite wing prospect who's currently atop the senior rankings. According to Zagsblog:

Schmidt, who has known Sonny Parker for 15 years and Jabari for six, says Michigan State, Duke and Kentucky are the leaders. “In reality, I think only three schools have a chance, Michigan State, Duke and Kentucky,” Schmidt, the editor/publisher of Illinois Prep Bulls-Eye, told SNY.tv at the Peach Jam. “I do think that Kansas and DePaul have the most shots, but are not favorites in comparison with Michigan State, Duke and Kentucky,” he added. “I think those are the three favorites.”

This isn't necessarily surprising to many who have followed Parker's recruitment, although it is interesting to see BYU not on that list. Parker, a Mormon, would have religious ties to the school that wouldn't be available at the other institutions. So if this is going to come down to a basketball decision, which it appears to be, Parker's list is certainly rife with tradition. From Cal to Coach K to Tom Izzo, all three programs have national championship coaches with illustrious careers. For Parker's personal goals though, whether it's the NBA or a mission, it seems like he only plans on staying for a year.

On Kentucky: “Coach Cal, plain and simple. His track record speaks for itself in terms of putting players in the NBA and the fact that Jabari’s a likely one-and-done could definitely play in their favor.”

Count that as a factor heavily in Cal's favor. Whatever his decision is, we'll know later this fall: