Two schools are prioritizing 2023 four-star wing Dennis Parker

It’s a unique time period for basketball recruiting. High school players are competing in their local playoffs, while the colleges that are recruiting them, are focused on conference play, and hopefully, March Madness.

With the lack of time, it’s sometimes difficult for college coaches to stay in touch with recruits. But two schools have made their presence known for Dennis Parker, a 6-foot-7 small forward out of Richmond (Va.) John Marshall.

“The most I’m hearing from right now is NC State and Oklahoma State,” Parker says.

Parker talks NC State

Last September, Parker made an unofficial trip to see the Wolfpack. He shared his thoughts on the visit, as well as his overall thoughts on the program.

“It was a great experience,” Parker said. “It was one of my favorite visits out of them all. I actually got to hang with the team. I went to a football game. Their facilities are nice. The coaches were really welcoming and keep it real with you. It’s really respectable there. Coach Roy Roberson talks to me the most from there.”

What does NC State like about Parker’s game?

“They like my height, what I can do with my height…my versatility, how I have an IQ, how I can see through the defense. They feel like they can use me down there.”

Virginia Tech, TCU, VCU, and Maryland have also hosted Parker on unofficial visits.

Parker discusses Oklahoma State

Parker hasn’t made a trip out to Stillwater yet, but he says Oklahoma State will be one of his official visits. He shared what he likes about the Cowboys.

“It’s another good program. They just had the most recent No. 1 draft pick in Cade Cunningham. One of their assistants says he sees me as being another version of him, in some ways of Cade. They started comparing mine and his game together and said our plays styles can be alike and I could fit in their type of program and what they run. The assistant that talks to me, Coach Larry Blunt, he’s from the area that I’m from, Virginia.”

Parker talks recent Virginia Tech visit

Parker hadn’t heard from Virginia Tech in quite some time, however, last week, they made the three-hour drive to watch one of his games.

“Last week, Virginia Tech came down to see me play, and then I ended up going to see V-Tech and UNC play on Saturday. They invited me and one of my assistant coaches and my family. The type of environment V-Tech provides…the student section is ridiculous. It was just amazing to me. It was just incredible for me. I’d never seen anything like that.”

Official visits?

Parker has plenty of time to schedule official visits and says he’s still in the process of setting it all up.

“Me and one of my coaches are still making that list up now. But I know NC State is one of them. We’re trying to get the Oklahoma State one. We’re trying to get one to Michigan, Memphis, and we’re going to try to get one to North Carolina but we don’t know for sure though.”

Michigan, Memphis, and North Carolina have not offered Parker but says the Tar Heels have shown interest.

Parker also mentioned “I’ve always liked Michigan. It’s not my dream school or anything but I’ve always liked their program.”

Dream school?

Parker didn’t necessarily have a dream school growing up, but says he always like the blue bloods.

“My mother went to UNC and my uncle went to Duke. So every time UNC and Duke played, our family would all get together.”

What’s Parker looking for in a school?

“I’m looking for a school that allows me to be me, not trying to change me. I just want a school to feel as comfortable with me as I am with them. I want them to be able to trust me in close games and not have me trapped in a box and running around doing robotic stuff. That’s just not the player I am.”

Who does Parker compare his game to?

“I would say I’m kind of a replica of Paul George.  People always compare me to him. I’ve been studying his game for so long, since he rocked 24 at Indiana and went to Fresno State. I really mess with PG.”

Timetable?

Parker is in no rush to make a decision. He says he will likely make a college decision around this time next year, on his birthday, February 14th.