After pouring in 28 points and five rebounds in a win against Oak Hill, Simeon (Ill.) star forward Jabari Parker said life has become simpler since committing to play his college basketball at Duke.
SPRINGFIELD -- After pouring in 28 points and five rebounds in a win against Oak Hill at the 2013 Hoophall Classic, Simeon (Ill.) star forward Jabari Parker said life has become simpler since committing to play his college basketball at Duke.
"Most definitely, because my main focus is just on me and my team. Focusing on what I need to get better at, and then just being around (the Simeon team)," said Parker, ESPN's No. 2 senior. "I'm a senior. This is not going to happen again. I just have to enjoy the process."
The process will ultimately lead him to Duke, a school he chose despite what he admitted was a boring recruiting visit.
"I think everything was necessary, even though I didn't understand at the time," he said. "I saw the campus -- it was pretty nice. They have great resources and the coaching staff is always on point."
"And I want to just win. At Duke, they're always going to the tournament," the 6-foot-8 small forward added. "They're going to give you the opportunity. You just have to handle the rest on your own."
Asked whether he's ready to step in as a leader at Duke during his freshman season, Parker responded, "I just want to be hungry. I'm going to listen twice as much as I talk. But of course I want to just be a good guy, a good teammate. That's what I focus on. I know it might be a little difficult for them accepting me as a player, but I'm going to try to fill my role in and not step on anybody's toes."
During Parker's dominant showing against Oak Hill, it sometimes felt like he could do anything. But pressed on whether he's encouraged other recruits to join him in Durham, Parker said there are certain things out of his expertise.
"No, I don't do any recruiting," he explained with a chuckle. "I'll leave that for the coaches."