Statesville Christian (NC) power forward Matthew Parker (6’9 220 lbs.) started to create some serious interest at the Adidas Showtime Nationals and he hasn’t looked back. His numbers from last season may not jump out at you but teaming with talented players like Doneal Mack shots are sometimes hard to come by. Averaging 13 points and 8 rebounds a game however against superb competition makes Parker a prospect for colleges to keep an eye on. What superb competition you ask? On the slate for this season are teams like Mt. Zion Academy and Oak Hill Academy. Enough said.
While his coming out party was at the Adidas Showtime Nationals, Parker just returned from Orlando where the AAU Super Showcase was held. Running with the Carolina’s Finest squad Parker says, “I had one good game down there but we ended up going 1-3.”
Currently Parker lists, “Clemson, Virginia, Richmond, Auburn, and Northwestern are the schools I like best. I have scholarship offers from James Madison, Wofford, Charleston Southern, UNC-Greensboro, and UNC-Asheville.”
When it comes to UVa those of you who’ve followed our reports can guess who’s been the lead recruiter for Matthew Parker. “Coach Lanier contacted my coach first and then I called him back before we headed down to Florida.” Asked what interests him the most about UVa Parker said, “First and foremost the academics and that they’re in the ACC which is the premier basketball conference. Coach Lanier said they are looking to take two big guys in this class.” (Note: the same statement has been reported by a few other UVa recruits but with a condition that if a immediate impact guard is available they will take a guard.)
In general Parker says he’s looking for a school that contains, “…good academics and prestige of the program. I could probably get early playing time at a mid-major school but I’m willing to work hard and improve my skills at a high major school sitting for a year or so.”
Matthew plans to start making visits next month. “I’m going to try and hit all the mid-majors that have offered plus get up to UVa and Richmond in August for unofficial visits. I’d like to decide in October and sign early as long as I feel a school is a good fit for me.”
Having already been reclassified Parker is set to finish up this season at Statesville Christian where he says he looks forward to having a successful season while helping to improve his team. Some immediate goals the young man has set for himself is to push his current weight of 220 lbs. to 235 by the time the season starts all while improving his foot speed and upper body strength. “I have guarded a lot of 6’6 and 6’7 guys that I’ve had problems trying to stay in front of so I want to work on that.”
Now that the Virginia Cavaliers are clearly staked on Parker's radar we will keep you updated on this intriguing prospect as he gets closer to making a decision.
Interesting fact about Matthew Parker: We asked him who he likes to compare his game to and he responded, “Brandon Wallace from South Carolina.” Wallace is 6’10, extremely long, and has good range on his jumper out to the three point line. Parker says, “I can knock the three down but I’m automatic from about 16 feet and in for the most part.” Wallace also has what may be the longest wingspan I’ve seen in a long time…think Tayshaun Prince-type of long. Parker says, “I don’t have quite that long of a span.”