Kwe Parker. (Photo: USA Today)
The season opener is still 10 days away, but already the Rutgers men’s basketball team suffered a huge loss.
High-flying guard Kwe Parker reneged on his verbal commitment Tuesday night, a seismic blow just as the Scarlet Knights appeared to be turning the corner recruiting-wise.
“After much thought and prayer, I have decided to decommit from Rutgers & re-open my recruiting,” Parker posted on Twitter. “I thank Rutgers for their time & interest.”
The North Carolina native, who picked the Scarlet Knights in August over Wake Forest, was Eddie Jordan’s lone Class of 2016 commitment. The early signing period, when commitments become iron-clad, runs from Nov. 11-18. Rutgers has four open scholarships.
Parker, a 6-foot-1, 165-pound shooting guard from North Carolina, was ranked as a top 100 player in his class by Rivals.com. With a 45-inch vertical leap, his high-flying, acrobatic dunks have made him a YouTube sensation.
He projected to bookend an ultra-athletic backcourt with current Rutgers freshman Corey Sanders, a true point guard. Those familiar with the situation said Parker’s cold feet came about as he suddenly expressed interest in visiting other schools; he attended Rutgers’ football game against Ohio State Oct. 24.
Jordan, who had gained some recruiting momentum with Sanders and coveted junior college forward Deshawn Freeman, is now playing catch-up.
