UCLA Basketball Player Previews: Tony Parker

Tony Parker is a 5-star center out of Miller Grove HS in Georgia, he was rated the seventh best center in the country by many recruiting sites.

With his combination of size and skill level, Parker is one of the elite big men in the 2012 class. He is a space eater in the post who can carve out position on the block. When watching him play you quickly see the skill he possesses. Parker is a guy that makes an impact in the paint,  he’s blessed with a pair of soft hands that catch virtually everything thrown his way, and he’s a talented scorer on the block and has good touch when looking to score.

Parker has had some issues with staying in shape, but when he’s conditioned he’s a heck of basketball player. It seems Tony Parker is dedicated and committed to this team, all reports indicate he has worked very hard this summer and is in excellent condition for a freshman big.

Tony Parker was a big get for Ben Howland to complete an already stellar class, he has a great head on his shoulders and brings intangibles to the class the others don’t. Tony will have a solid freshman season because he works hard and leads by example, he has a chance to earn a starting spot at some point this year.

With the departure of Anthony Stover and uncertainty of Josh Smith, Tony Parker will have a chance to compete for a starting spot. If in fact he does become the starting center he will be able to contribute immediately offensively, he still has a lot of room to improve on the defensive end.

Tony Parker will have a successful freshman season because he’s a blue collar type of player who is always looking to improve. Right now Tony’s offensive skill set is one dimensional, if he can develop a shot from mid-range he could be a dangerous player for UCLA. If in fact Ben Howland get this team to play an uptempo offense, Tony will be more effective than Josh Smith.

All around Bruins fans will be very pleased with Tony Parker, the player and the person.