Jabari Parker Success Story

Childhood

Born on March 15, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois to former NBA player, Sonny and Folola Parker, Parker realised his love for the game in one of his father’s league matches. Of Tongan and African-American descent, Parker has six siblings.

His mother Folola is a follower of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He went to the Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary, and later to Simeon Career Academy. He was actively involved in the local school council. He worked as a basketball instructor, and did voluntary service for Operation PUSH, the Salvation Army and the New Beginnings Church.

Early Career

Portraying a flair for the sport, Parker was the first freshman in the history of the school to play on the Simeon varsity team. He was offered scholarships to several educational institutes.

He clinched the ESPN HS 2010 Freshman of the Year title. Parker fared well as a player, ensuring that his team appeared among the top five national teams. Parker bagged the tournament MVP Honours at the annual Nike Global Challenge while in his junior year. Parker’s game continued to improve, and success shone on him.

Heights

Parker was recognised as the basketball Gatorade Player of the Year of Illinois boys 2012. He was popularly referred to as the number one player in the country. Parker was rated among the Top 10 pre-season All-USA selections by USA Today. Parker played in the Brand Classics in the year 2013.

He was awarded the Morgan Wootten Male Player of the Year for his outstanding character, leadership qualities and values as a student-athlete. He bagged several awards and titles in the year 2013. He was recognised as the 2013 first-team Parade All-American.

While in college, Parker debuted for Duke. The press called him a true freshman starter for the 2013–14 Blue Devils. Hailed the pre-season ACC Rookie of the Year, Parker was a favourite with the media and widely featured. His performance as a freshman was greatly appreciated.

It got him on to the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA) All-ACC first and the Coaches All-ACC Freshman Teams. He was awarded the John R. Wooden Award All-American Team recognition.

Parker signed a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014, debuting in the NBA against the Charlotte Hornets. He got chosen for the Rookie of the Month conference.

Among the 18 players to partake in the 2011-12 USA Developmental National Team mini-camp, he was 2011 FIBA Americas U16 Championship’s MVP. His performance in the FIBA Americans won him the title of USA Basketball's Male Athlete of the Year, making him the youngest winner.

Personal Life

Parker serves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, since his childhood. He turned to the Church and took priesthood at the tender age of sixteen. He discharged his duties as a priest quite effectively. In his formative years, as a Basketball player, Parker trained with Tim Grover. He preferred individual training sessions to playing pick-up games.

Jabari Parker Talks At ESPN