When talking about explosive scorers in Texas for 2018, Elijah Parquet comes to mind to the TBB staff. The Westbrook product bounced back from an injury that derailed him for all of the school season but made great use of the evaluation period in the grassroots season.
“I feel like this spring/summer I’ve been able to prove that I’m one of the top guards in the state of Texas offensively and defensively,” Parquet said. “Ever since I’ve came back from my shoulder injury at the end of April after being out for 3 and 1/2 months, I felt like I had to show these coaches that whatever adversity I go through, I will continue to work hard and get better.”
Elijah talks about the biggest growth in his game.
“Over these past months, the most growth I’ve seen in my game is my scoring ability as I’ve been in the gym working on my shot and my ball handling. I can score on all 3 levels.”
Going into this fall, Parquet and his family decided to narrow his list down to five schools; Colorado, Virginia Tech, Louisiana Lafayette, Denver, and Northern Iowa and Elijah breaks down each school to texasboysbasketball.com
Colorado: (Head) Coach (Tad) Boyle says he really likes my versatility on the court and they say they think it’s a good fit for me,” Parquet said. “They believe they can really develop my game if I go there and get to play against good competition in the Pac 12. Over these last few weeks, I’ve been doing some research on the school and I really like what I see.”
Virginia Tech: (Head) Coach Buzz (Williams) really likes the way I shoot it and can score on all 3 levels. The coaches say it would be a good fit for me to come in and compete against top competition in the ACC.”
Louisiana Lafayette: “I’ve went on an official visit back in the spring and I really like it up there. (Head) Coach (Bob) Marlin really likes my game and he thinks with my versatility I can come in and make a big impact on the team.”
Denver: “(Head) Coach (Rodney) Billups and the rest of his staff have been watching me for these past few months and think I’ve got what it takes to be a great player at the next level> They also want to develop my game at Denver to take my game to another level.”
Northern Iowa: “(Head) Coach Jacobson really likes the way I score on all three levels, and with the success they’ve had the past few years, him and his staff believe I can be a great fit with their program.”
There are several factors in Parquet’s decision as he looks to see which program will be the best long term fit. Elijah told the staff that he plans on making his decision after his official visits in September. His calendar looks like this:
Sept. 1 – ULL
Sept. 7 – Colorado
Sept. 15 – Virginia Tech
“They main focus when I make my decision will be wherever I feel is most comfortable and best fit for me. Playing style, where I would fit in at on the team, the school atmosphere, the relationship with the coaches, and most importantly where i can go develop my game and take my game to another level,” Parquet said. “Distance really isn’t a factor as my family will be able to see me play wherever I go.”
Follow Texasboysbasketball.com as we keep track of Parquet’s recruitment and other top prospects in the lone star state. Follow us on Twitter @texasboysbasketbal & ani_umana for updates and our Southwest Regional Camp will be on October 14-15 in Duncanville. This will hold our elite 2018-2020 prospects and registration will be available soon
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Edited by AB