Jabari Parker wants to narrow his extensive list to a final five later this spring. Parker is considering offers from Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, North Carolina and Illinois, among others.

The 6-foot-8 forward led Chicago Simeon High to 33-1 record and a third straight state championship this past season.

He has one more state title than Simeon alum Derrick Rose, with one season to go.

"He's good, a polished player to be so young," says Rose, who gets to keep an eye on Parker while he leads his hometown Chicago Bulls. "Has the will to win, and that's all you need."

Simeon head coach Robert Smith spoke this week with new Illinois head coach John Groce.

Smith was contacted during the coaching search of Illinois and said that he would listen to an offer for an assistant position. Smith doesn't anticipate being asked to join Groce's staff.

"No, we didn't get into (his staff)," Smith said. "Basically, we had a conversation about him being the coach and what his views were. It wasn't anything about coaching. Right now, I'm happy where I'm at. It looks like I'm going to be here, and I'm basically getting ready for next year." 

Smith has compiled a 230-37 record while at Simeon and has coached the likes of Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker.

Meyers Leonard is leaving Illinois after two seasons to enter NBA draft, the school announced on Monday.

"This was a very difficult decision because I love the University of Illinois," Leonard said in a statement. "But I feel the timing is right for me to follow my dream of playing in the NBA and having the opportunity to provide for my mom and family. I want to thank everyone in the Illini program for their support these past two years. It starts with coach (Bruce) Weber, who has always believed in me. He taught me so much about the game of basketball and helped me mature as both a player and a person.

"I will miss all my teammates; we've been through so much together and I consider them my brothers. The future is bright here and under the direction of coach (John) Groce, I know they'll be successful. Finally, I want to thank the fans for their incredible support. It was a dream come true to represent my state school and play at the Assembly Hall. I will always be an Illini."

Leonard, a 7-foot-1 center, averaged 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks this past season.

The father of Jabari Parker, who is the nation's top-ranked junior out of Chicago's Simeon Career Academy, said Monday that his son has an affinity for in-state schools like Illinois.

"He wants to be remembered as, 'Hey, he's the one who led his home state or home city, who represented,'” said Sonny Parker, who had a six-year career with the Golden State Warriors. “And I think every kid wants that."

Sonny recently confirmed that Illinois is still in the running for Jabari.

"He likes the idea that he can do something for his community, in this state, in this city," Sonny said. "That's the thing he wants to experience and share."

The 17-year-old Parker remains license-less as his mom and dad continue to take him to and from school and practice.

"I just want to be a good example, for people generally," Parker says. "Not just athletes, but people. I just want to make change in everyone's life. I know a lot of athletes out here, they're making wrong decisions. I know there's going to be a light on me everywhere I go, and there's going to be eyes everywhere. I want to have good behavior.

"I always want to be a good person."