We will find out very soon if Duke is going to be the consensus number 1 ranked basketball team going into the 2014 season. Why? That’s when we find if Duke’s Jabari Parker will turn pro or return for his sophomore season. The list of underclassmen leaving is a long one, and there’s plenty of talent there. Personally I don’t think it’s a slam dunk he goes.
We know if he turns pro he’ll be a top 5 pick, and probably a top 2 pick. You certainly can’ t argue if he decides to put his name in the hat, but there are some strong reasons why he may stay.
Parker for as talented as he is offensively, is not an elite defender, and in the later portions of the season may have even been a defensive liability for Duke. There are a lot worse things to do than learn for another year under Mike Krzyzewski.
Parker’s good friend Jahlil Okafor will be coming to Duke. The Blue Devils lacked a an post presence this year especially on the defensive. Okafor will provide that, and his addition makes Duke a national title contender. Even without Parker, Duke is a top 5 team, but with him as I said they will enter the season as the number 1 ranked team in the country.
I have no reason to think this, but I just get the feeling Parker will be coming back. Do you think he’s going?
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