Friday, September 06, 2002
Dismissed from Kentucky, Parker goes to South Carolina
By JEFFREY COLLINS
Associated Press Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jason Parker, the North Carolina high school star who was dismissed from Kentucky last Friday, is enrolling at South Carolina, coach Dave Odom says.
The 6-foot-8, 255-pound sophomore will have to sit out all of next season. He will have two years of eligibility left.
Kentucky officials have refused to say why Parker, who received a medical redshirt last season after tearing the ACL in his right knee, was kicked off the team.
Odom wouldn't expand on Parker's problems either on Thursday. “Both he and his family have been very forthright concerning his recent situation at Kentucky, and I believe our program will be a good fit for him,” he said.
While at Wake Forest, Odom tried to recruit Parker when he was a two-time Associated Press high school Player of the Year in North Carolina. He was originally going to play for the Tar Heels, but a dispute over college entrance exams landed him at Kentucky.
Parker was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team in 2000-01 as a Wildcat, averaging 8.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Odom said he contacted Kentucky officials, including coach Tubby Smith, to get permission to discuss Parker's transfer. Parker won't be given a scholarship this season.
“Maybe that's just what the doctor ordered, another year off and a chance to get himself physically fit and mentally sharp,” Odom said.
Parker and his family contacted Odom on Saturday, and after Odom got permission from Kentucky, they came to Columbia on Monday to discuss transferring.
“I have a lot of respect for coach Odom and have known him for several years,” Parker said in a statement released by the school. “I regret my actions at the University of Kentucky, but I am ready to put that behind me.”
Senior Gamecock guard Chuck Eidson played with Parker on all-star teams in high school and against Parker during the SEC season in 2001.
Parker is a good player and a good guy that shouldn't cause any disruptions for the team, Eidson said.
“It's nothing really for us,” Eidson said. “We're going to greet him with open arms.”
South Carolina President Andrew Sorensen gave Parker permission to enroll for the fall semester and Parker plans to take a full load of classes, Odom said.
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Dismissed from Kentucky, Parker goes to South Carolina
