Analysis And Commentary: Was Jabari Parker's Performance vs. Calumet A "Signature Moment"? We Say "Yes"!
By Roy & Harv Schmidt
December 20, 2011
10:30 P.M.
It may not be as monumental as when Jon Scheyer scored 21 points in 75 seconds at the 2005 Proviso West Holiday Tournament. But it is not far behind. We are talking about the performance turned in yesterday by the #1 high school basketball prospect in the nation from the class of 2013--6'8 forward Jabari Parker from Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. For those who haven't already heard, Parker put up 40 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in an 82-42 victory over Perspectives-Calumet.
Upon first glance, the average basketball fan will probably say that there is nothing overly significant about Parker's numbers versus Calumet, especially seeing as though he wasn't exactly going up against an opponent known as a Chicago Public League powerhouse. Now for the added detail that anyone who wasn't in attendance wouldn't have immediately been aware of--Parker achieved his totals in only 21 minutes of action. That is barely more than the equivalent of half a game.
Just prior to the start of the high school basketball season in Illinois, some talk surfaced in terms of comparing Parker with Derrick Rose and how each player could be measured in terms of greatness. One school of thought suggests that Parker is not yet on par with Rose because coming into this season Parker still lacked a defining "signature moment." After the effort turned in by Parker yesterday, we are wondering if the poeple in that camp are considering changing their minds.
As far as we are concerned, Parker's performance in the Calumet contest certainly qualifies as a "signature moment." And the short time span in which Parker accumulated his points and rebounds is not the only reason. In addition, Parker also set a Simeon individual game scoring record. Remember, this is at a school that has included players over the years such as Ben Wilson, Nick Anderson, Deon Thomas, Bobby Simmons and Rose just to name a few. Therefore, it is a most historic achievement.
Many mediaheads tend to equate a "signature moment" with a highlight reel. In their eyes, if it isn't a thunderous crowd-pleasing dunk, a game winning basket or the equivalent of what Scheyer pulled off at Proviso West almost six years ago it doesn't fall into that category. They also believe that a "signature moment" can only come against elite-level competition. With all due respect, we whole-heartedly disagree.
To begin with, we do not believe that a "signature moment" is what truly defines greatness in any player. There is no question that it can help enhance it, but it is not the end-all. Those players who are the most naturally talented and gifted will still be great regardless.
Perhaps we have a different definition of the phrase "signature moment" than most people. With that in mind, we would argue that Jabari Parker has already had a number of "signature moments." And getting back to the issue of greatness, in our book Parker solidified his greatness as a player long ago. If nothing else, he undoubtedly did so this past summer during the July evaluation period when he clearly established himself as the #1 2013 prospect in the nation.
What too many people fail to understand is that not only is Parker a player who is highly skilled, but he is also unique. In fact, in many ways he is unlike any player we have seen come out of the Illinois high school basketball ranks in the last 20 years. That is because Parker is a true student of the game, which explains why his hero is Oscar Robertson. He is old-school and a throwback in the truest sense of the word. Parker approaches every game (regardless of the opponent) in the same manner--with the same degree of concentration and focus. It is all of these things that make him truly special and yes, great.
While we will stand firm in saying that Parker achieved a "signature moment" yesterday, it is somewhat ironic that Simeon's remaining games this month will be played on a much bigger stage. They will battle Whitney Young on Thursday, December 22 at the University Of Illinois-Chicago's Pavilion and then head to what could be the marquee high school basketball event of the year in Illinois--the prestigious Pontiac Holiday Tournament from December 28-30. Should Parker's performance in any of those games equal or surpass what he did versus Calumet, perhaps then his "signature moment" will have finally arrived in the eyes of others. Even if that doesn't happen, we can still say unequivocally and without hesitation that Jabari Parker is a great player.
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We welcome comments regarding this story or any other entry published by Illinois Prep Bulls-eye. They can be made by e-mailing us at royandharv@ilprepbullseye.com.
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