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Basketball Mon Nov 26 2012
High-Major Talent Coming to Chicago Elite Classic
Though no official announcement has been made, it doesn't seem likely that Simeon's star senior Jabari Parker, the second-ranked player in the country, will play at Saturday's Chicago Elite Classic at the UIC Pavilion. But despite his absence, it's hard to imagine any fans complaining about a lack of star power on Saturday's six-game slate. Here are five big-time players who will suit up.
BeeJay Anya - DeMatha Catholic
The North Carolina State commit is extremely long and active on defense -- though his offensive game isn't exactly polished. Anya will have to bring it Saturday night when DeMatha squares off against Whitney Young and their star junior Jahlil Okafor.
Nick Emery - Lone Peak
This is a name you might want to file away for a few years, as Emery is going on a post-graduation mission before playing for Brigham Young. The lefty point guard has a funky jump-shot -- it works, obviously -- and will lead nationally ranked Lone Peak against Proviso East Saturday afternoon.
Keita Bates Diop - Normal U-High
The Bloomington junior is just the latest star to choose Thad Matta and Ohio State over in-state alternatives like DePaul and Illinois. And it's easy to see why the 6-foot-4 junior had college coaches around the country after a dynamite summer.
VJ King - St. Vincent-St. Mary
So you're a gigantic eighth grader with limitless potential? Why not move to Ohio and go to LeBron's high school? Meet VJ King! Though he's just a freshman, King's already been offered scholarships by Michigan State, Ohio State, and Illinois.
Stanley Johnson - Mater Dei
Johnson played with Chicagoans Parker, Kendrick Nunn, and Okafor on the Team USA 17U Team that took gold at the FIBA World Championships last June. Johnson, who is another in a long line of big-time players from perennial national power Mater Dei, may be the best player in talent-rich California.
For ticket information and a full schedule of games, visit chicagoeliteclassic.com.
Photo by Scott Winterton/Deseret News