Candace Parker?

[Bball Girl]

Just noticed on ESPN that Candace Parker will be announcing her choice live on ESPN News on Tuesday 5pm EST

"Parker and LeBron James were named the 2003 Naismith prep basketball players of the year. Parker is the only high-school junior ever to win the award."

Duke, Texas, Tennessee and others are on her list. UT Fans -- is Texas in the hunt?

Parker first woman to make decision on national TV (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/news/story?id=1656544)

[JohnHenry]

Lord, I hope so.

Not sure what I think of the whole TV announcement hype, but she's gonna be an impact player wherever she goes, that's for sure. We're also holing out for Charde Houston (visited lastr week), Bailey, and a couple more.
Did Marsha go after Parker or Houston at all?

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http://www.texassports.com/images/photo_gallery/2002_03/002/wbb_031503/images/001.jpg

[Bball Girl]

Haven't heard Houston's name in conjunction with Tech.

The latest visitor is Judith Smith from Long Beach CA, Poly HS...according to BlueStar her top choices are Tech and KSU

[JohnHenry]

From what i've read, I think Parker goes to Duke. Tennessee already has 3 of the Blue Star top 5, Maryland has a pair of top 15 recruits, and we have TJ here. Duke loses Tillis and Beard after this season, but they have all the other pieces in place: a pure PG in Harding, a pure post in Hunter, and they get Currie(6'0" swing player) for another 2 years. Parker completes their puzzle quite nicely.

Houston looks to be waiting on Parker to decide, but Tenn seems to have lost touch with her, she has family in Texas, and she would be the perfect complement to TJ (according to a few who have seen her play). Plus, we don't have a single top 50 commitment yet.

But this is all pure speculation on my part. Maybe Parker wants the challenge of becoming the kingpin among the big-time recruits going to Tenn, but I think anyone who announces their commitment on national TV probably wants to be THE PLAYER wherever she goees. One thing seems to be sure, which is that she and Houston will be at different schools.

I'm also surprised that UConn didn't steal one of Tennessee's big 3. It looks like beating Pat Summitt just became exponentially tougher for he next 4 years.

[carolann]

ODD - I saw that there were 2 replies to the original post but I couldn't see the replies until I posted the message below.

Idon't believe Texas is in the hunt.

Texas fan hopes are now resting on the decisions of Erneisha Bailey of Kansas City and Charde Houston of San Diego, both of whom are expected to announce next week. It is possible Texas is going to come up with a big goose egg if: Parker chooses Duke or Tennessee as expected; Houston chooses UConn (many rumors that she will) or the darkhorse, UCLA; Bailey chooses K-State or elsewhere; and Tye Jackson of Houston chooses Purdue. Tye Jackson officially visited Purdue a few weeks ago. I read on the Purdue fan site that Jackson was going to take her mother with her on an unofficial return visit. It seems as if Jackson really likes Purdue but may face some family pressure to stay closer to home. I certainly hope she chooses the place where she believes she will be happiest.

Usually, there are prospects that most fans know nothing about. Texas really only needs a couple of decent signings this fall. Texas won't have much quality playing time to offer until the fall of 2005. Texas will have 6 seniors next year including Jamie Carey, Heather Schreiber, Annissa Hastings, Kala Bowers, Mercedes Williams, and Jody Bell. That is a huge talent drain to happen in one season.

[This message has been edited by carolann (edited 11-08-2003).]

[This message has been edited by carolann (edited 11-08-2003).]

[Bobcat4956]

I think there is NO way Parker comes to Texas. HOWEVER, I have always wanted Charde Houston MORE than Parker. Call it a gut feeling but I think she is going to be something else. Hope we also get Bailey.

[swok34]

Parker chooses Duke or Tennessee as expected

I've read that it's down to these two on Parker. Read an article this morning on Bailey in the Kansas City Star...
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/

I'll link the front page, you have to register to read the article, but it's worth it because Voepel is one the few sportswriters that knows what she's talking about...especially in regards to the Big XII.

[JK]

If Charde Houston comes to Texas, believe me, there will be plenty of minutes for her! She is going to be the best in this class when all is said and done. As for Bailey, in UT I see an opportunity for her to be groomed in her freshman year -- seeing plenty of PT, and assuming Jamie's role as the long-range bomber thereafter.

Since I feel Parker goes elsewhere, my wish list consists of Houston (I want her most of all), and Bailey. Both would fit perfectly into the scheme of things in Austin with major roles. From there I'd like to see us go to the Juco ranks for another big girl -- a big, agile, center. Losing Stacy to graduation will be a HUGE loss. We'll need an experienced big girl to help Kalee hold down the middle for a couple of years.

[This message has been edited by JK (edited 11-09-2003).]