The NCAA’s late signing period for college basketball began Wednesday, and the state’s top prospect has decided to wait a little longer.
Tony Parker, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Mr. Georgia Basketball, decided to delay his decision to later in the spring period, which runs through May 16. The power forward from Miller Grove lists Duke, Georgia, Kansas, UCLA, Georgetown, Memphis and Ohio State as his finalists.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech added another local product, former Peachtree Ridge point guard Corey Heyward, to its stellar recruiting class, while several other metro standouts signed with out-of-state schools.
ESPN ranks the 6-foot-9, 280-pound Parker as the nation’s No. 26 overall prospect. He and his coach, Miller Grove’s Sharman White, were selected to participate in Saturday’s The Jordan Brand Classic all-star game in Charlotte.
Parker is considering making return trips to several of his finalists, including Georgia, before rendering his decision. Parker has kept a low profile in recent days.
“I just think he’s trying to get to a clear place in his mind where he wants to go,” White said. “It’s a really tough position to be in, and I don’t envy him one bit. All things considered, he’s handling it very well and trying to figure out what’s best for him.”
Heyward is the son of the late Falcons star Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. The 6-1, 195-pounder played this past season at Virginia’s Hargrave Military prep school and averaged 11 points, six rebounds and six assists.
All four of Tech’s recruits for this season are homegrown products, including Shiloh forward Robert Carter, North Gwinnett guard Chris Bolden and North Clayton small forward Marcus Hunt. The others signed in November.
“Corey does the things that help teams win. That was really important,” Tech coach Brian Gregory said. “Then, the second thing, he brings the explosiveness, competiveness and toughness that we need in our program.”
Tech also has an incoming transfer from Kentucky, guard Stacey Poole, who will sit out next season because of NCAA transfer rules.
Also, Newton point guard Stephen Croone signed with Furman, while Mt. Paran Christian guard Armani Moore is headed to Tennessee. The 6-5 Moore averaged 22 points this past season.
“He’s long, athletic, and can really get to the rim,” Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin told nooga.com. “He knows how to be physical because he’s played inside. He can really maneuver around the rim. And defensively, he can get into passing lanes and guard smaller guys or even bigger guys.
Here are some other area signings:
Georgia State men: LaRon Smith, a 6-8 forward from Palm Bay, Fla. "He brings size and a tremendous 7-3 wing span that we will be able to utilize," Georgia State coach Ron Hunter said. "Although very skilled on the offensive side of the ball, he is also very talented on the defensive side with great shot-blocking abilities." Georgia State has two scholarships remaining open.
Georgia State women: Kesheria McNeil, a 5-8 point guard out of Miami Dade (Fla.) College. She was the nation's 10th-leading scorer for junior colleges, averaging 19.1 points this past season. "Kesheria is a versatile guard that is a great scorer," Georgia State coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener said. "Her ability to put the ball in the basket from a variety of ways will be very beneficial to our program.
Kennesaw State men: Cole Hobbs, a 6-6, 200-pound small forward from Greater Atlanta Christian. He set the school record for most 3-pointers in a season.
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