Jabari Parker has been named the 11-12 Gatorade Illinois Basketball Player of the Year.

Parker led Simeon to a 33-1 record and a third consecutive Class 4A state championship this past season. Parker averaged 19.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.3 blocks and 1.4 steals per game in his junior season.

Parker has maintained a 3.63 weighted GPA in the classroom and serves as President of Student Representatives with the Local School Council.

“Jabari is a once-in-a-lifetime player and person,” said Paul Biancardi, National Director, ESPN Basketball Recruiting. “As a person, he is incredible, humble and hard-working, regardless of his accolades. On the court, he influences the game with his unique ability to be both a scorer and a facilitator. The versatility allows him to score in the paint and on the perimeter. He possesses   outstanding size, combined with an accurate shooting touch from deep, and has added a mid- range game that makes him hard to defend. His ball-handling and passing are exceptional, as he seldom gets rattled. His overall basketball IQ and instincts to play the game at a high level at such a young age make him very special with a very bright future.”