Hard Luck Parker Staying in School
Ever since he left Kentucky, it's been a difficult road for 6-8 power forward/center Jason Parker of Charlotte, N.C.
Those difficulties have followed Parker to Chipola J.C. this fall, where he ruptured his achilles tendon earlier this fall. That injury will keep Parker on the shelf for the 2003-2004 basketball season.
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"Jason is still enrolled in school, and he and his family need to make a decision about his future," Chipola Head Coach Chris Jans said. "Right now, he's enrolled as a full-time student at Chipola in 10 classes, and it's unfortunate that he's had so many injuries."
Parker was hoping to use this season as a springboard back to a four-year school or possibly the pro ranks. He hasn't played since he was a freshman three years ago at Kentucky. He left UK after two years, and resurfaced at the University of South Carolina last year.
"He is going to have to weigh his options, and eligibility wise, figure out what he can and can't do as far as different levels."
Parker has never played his sophomore year of basketball, so he could return to Chipola and play during the 2004-2005 basketball season. However, his NCAA clock is already a bit out of whack, so that could force him to look for an NAIA situation another year from now.
"That's something that he's talked about," Jans said of the possibility of Parker returning to CJC next year. "But I don't think [the family] will make a decision until at least the semester."
We'll keep an eye on Parker's situation as it evolves. Stay tuned.