Jabari Parker will play college basketball, won't go on mission next year

Although there was speculation that Chicago Simeon Career Academy forward Jabari Parker could go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after high school, he told "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000 that he will instead play at least one year of college basketball.

"I know for a fact I'm going to college my first year," Parker said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000.

According to Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago, Parker has narrowed his options to five potential schools: Duke, Michigan State, Florida, BYU and Stanford. The 6'8, 220 pound forward said DePaul and Illinois could have been possibilities if it hadn't been for recent coaching changes.

Parker was ESPN's No. 1 ranked recruit until Andrew Wiggins was reclassified from the Class of 2014 to the Class of 2013. Parker was the Gatorade Player of the Year for his play during his junior season.

The 2012-13 season for Simeon will begin on Saturday when the team hosts Milton High School from Milton, Georgia.