I was listening to an interview today on the Score, between Hanley and John Groce,new Illini bb coach,and the topic of Jabari Parker came up.
Parker is the #1 ranked junior in the nation,who plays at Simeon HS in Chicago.
Hanley asked Groce about Parker,and Groce said '' we are aware of how great a player he is and will be pursuing him''...or something to that effect. Hanley asked a followup question,and Groce then caught himself and said he cannot comment on unsigned recruits.
I was surprised to hear him address Parker specifically after the first question as I am so used to coaches always going to the standard ''cannot comment on unsigned recruits'' line.
I think Groce messed up,then caught himself. Still, on a 50k watt clear channel station,located in the kids hometown, that is sending a signal to the kid and to me is exactly why they forbid coaches to talk/pander to juniors in High school...had to be cool to hear your name being mentioned in such high regard for Parker,and an advantage in his recruitment for the Illini.....quick,someone call the NCAA!
Parker is the #1 ranked junior in the nation,who plays at Simeon HS in Chicago.
Hanley asked Groce about Parker,and Groce said '' we are aware of how great a player he is and will be pursuing him''...or something to that effect. Hanley asked a followup question,and Groce then caught himself and said he cannot comment on unsigned recruits.
I was surprised to hear him address Parker specifically after the first question as I am so used to coaches always going to the standard ''cannot comment on unsigned recruits'' line.
I think Groce messed up,then caught himself. Still, on a 50k watt clear channel station,located in the kids hometown, that is sending a signal to the kid and to me is exactly why they forbid coaches to talk/pander to juniors in High school...had to be cool to hear your name being mentioned in such high regard for Parker,and an advantage in his recruitment for the Illini.....quick,someone call the NCAA!
