That's what I try to be (a good guy). I just want to be remembered for just being a good person. Not coming off as somebody that was arrogant, that didn't place themself (above) the team.
Jabari Parker has been in the national spotlight ever since he picked up a basketball. His talent, skills and work ethic have lead him to become a star player on the Duke basketball team under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. However, he wasn't always that way.
During an interview with ESPN's Jay Williams, who also went to Duke, Parker admitted that he had a low self-esteem growing up.
"When I was young, I was chubby and chunky. I got a long of negativity towards that," said Parker.
Looking on the bright side of things, Parker has the last laugh now as he's projected to be one of the top players picked in next year's NBA draft. Some NBA scouts even have him being the No. 1 player if he declares for the draft.
"That dude could play right now (in the NBA), like today,” an NBA assistant coach, who remained anonymous, told SNY.tv's Adam Zagoria. The assitant went on to say that he would be Utah's best player right now and for many other NBA teams.
Parker became the first freshman at Duke under Krzyzewski to score 20-plus points in his first three games. In just 11 games this season, Parker is averaging 22.1 points a game, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
So with the national spotlight on him, how does Jabari want to be remembered?
"That's what I try to be (a good guy). I just want to be remembered for just being a good person," Parker said. "Not coming off as somebody that was arrogant, that didn't place themself (above) the team."
Parker, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, credits his family and God for the talents that he has been given and knows that he must cherish it, continue improving and being thankful for everything he has.
I am a recent graduate and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism and sports communication. Twitter: Justingiles22 Email: justingiles@deseretnews.com