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ESPN reports via a chat with draft expert Chad Ford that Duke forward Jabari Parker is discussing returning for his sophomore season so much some scouts believe that will be his decision instead of declaring for the draft.
Tommy (Philadelphia, PA)
What's the latest info on whether or not Joel Embiid and/or Jabari Parker will enter the draft?
Chad Ford (1:07 PM)
Both are weighing their options. Both are seriously considering returning ... with Parker so much so that several scouts are claiming he's coming back to school. But I think that's premature.
via Chat: Chat with Chad Ford - SportsNation - ESPN.
Parker has several options, among them attending a mission trip as part of his Mormon faith, returning to develop for another year at Duke alongside his longtime friend Jahlil Okafor, or going pro. If he does enter the draft, he should go no later than third overall, despite questions about his defense we answered here.
Parker possesses a rare skillset to go with his athleticism and could be a game-changing forward no matter where he's drafted, but his status as a draftee in June has always been in doubt. Fellow top prospect Andrew Wiggins announced his intentions to declare for the draft last week.
