McDonald's All-American Game 2012: Analyzing Tony Parker's Options

As big man Tony Parker gets set to impress the nation in next week's McDonald's All-American Game, he's one of the more intriguing recruits to keep an eye on.

Parker, despite being recruited by the likes of Duke, Ohio State, Kansas, Georgetown, UCLA and Memphis, could potentially end up with Georgia instead.

Parker, ranked the No. 21 recruit in the nation by ESPNU, has made several trips to the University of Georgia within the last year, including an unofficial visit earlier this year.

Parker hasn't tipped his hand yet regarding where he'll sign, but it's apparent he's seriously considering the Bulldogs.

Parker said, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

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“Georgia is a great school, and I think Coach Mark Fox is doing a great job. They really achieved great things this year with the team that they had. I think it’s great that Coach Fox is ranked No. 1 in player development [by the website TheRealGM.com]. I think he does a lot for ‘bigs’ [big men], and he has a great offense for ‘bigs,’ too.

“When he had Trey Thompkins, Coach Fox did a lot of things for his game and made Trey look really good … Georgia has been in there the whole time with me. Coach Fox is a persistent guy.”

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If the 6'9", 280-pound high school star ended up at Georgia, he would be the school's first McDonald's All-American big man since Carlos Strong in 1992.

Of course, don't expect other major programs to lie down.

You have Duke's Mike Krzyzewksi and Ohio State's Thad Matta trying to get their hands on the prized recruit (they both may visit Parker this week). You also have UCLA's Ben Howland, who met with Parker on Tuesday, and, of course, Kansas, Georgetown and Memphis in the running.

But Georgia also has a distinct advantage in luring Parker to campus: Two of his state championship teammates from Miller Grove, Brandon Morris and Donte Williams, will be playing for the Bulldogs next year.

Parker said, via the Journal-Constitution:

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“Yes, that definitely helps with Donte and Brandon being at Georgia; I won state championships with each of them. They are both great people, and really good players. They both have great character, and playing with them in high school has been wonderful … so it really puts me in position to go to Georgia."

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Parker averaged 16.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in his senior season at Miller Grove, according to MaxPreps.com. He brings scoring, rebounding, size and shot-blocking ability to the team who signs him.

Keep your eye on Parker at the McDonald's All-American Game on March 28. Plenty of major schools will be doing the same.

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