Parker displays flair for the dramatic

For the last three years at Simeon, Jabari Parker has shown hes an exceptional player on the court, and an even better person off it. But on Saturday night at the inaugural Chicago Elite Classic, the high school senior also showed a trait not many have seen: a flair for the dramatic, or as the kids like to call it, swag.
The 6-foot-8 Parker wasnt expected to play in Simeons 2012-13 season opener against Milton (GA) at the UIC Pavilion, but word began to circulate prior to tip-off that he would suit up, creating buzz in the arena as the estimated 5,000 fans in attendance realized they would get what they paid to see.
I wanted to play because I miss the game so much, said Parker who played 11 minutes and tallied six points and four rebounds in Simeons 56-35 victory. I just worried about myself for once and I felt like I missed the game and I wanted to get out there with the guys and begin my last year.
Parker had initially stated he wouldnt rush to get back on the court and allow his injured foot to heal on its own, but he obviously had a change of heart as game time neared. The decision to play was ultimately his call and Wolverines' head coach Robert Smith trusted his All-American when he said that he was ready to go.
When I got back to the hotel, Jabari said he wanted to go. So I thought about it and called his parents and they were fine with it; so I let him get out there and play, Smith said.
The excitement of Parkers return to the court for the first time since July wasnt just limited to the fans in the stands. His teammates were pretty happy about it as well.
It was exciting. We actually found out an hour before the game that he was going to play, sophomore standout D.J. Williams, who led the Wolverines with 12 points, said. He talked to coach Rob about it, then the rumor got out and thats what got us hyped for the game, that Jabari was going to play.
Said teammate Kendrick Nunn who scored 11 points in the opener, including being on the receiving end of some high-flying, alley-oop dunks, We were excited at the hotel when we found out Jabari was going to play. I didnt think he wanted to miss the beginning of the season and I know he just wanted to be here for the team.
When asked to assess his performance, Parkerwho is about 15 to 20 pounds above his playing weightwas brutally honest.
Id give myself a D; close to an F, he said of his play. I just wanted to get a feel on the floor and that was the most important thing. My body felt good. I was surprised I wasnt as windedI wasnt gasping for air. I was alright and the foot feels alright.
To protect his injured foot, for the game, Jabari wore LeBron James latest signature shoe from Nikean event sponsorthe LeBron X which has superior cushioning all its own.
In addition to that, he also wore specialized insoles to help prevent any chance of reinjury.
I had my orthotics in which were built for high-impact, explained Parker. They help because my foot isnt as loose and I am worried about my feet right now."
When asked how he felt physically after playing full-court basketball for the first time in five months, Parker jokingly stated, Im probably going to sleep like 12 hours tonight. My body is like an old man. Sunday my back is probably going to be aching and Ill need an ice bath.