Parker's father, Sonny Parker, said Illinois' coaching change after last season, when Bruce Weber was fired and replaced by John Groce, played a role in the Illini being excluded from the list.

"It's the timing," Sonny said Thursday. "He's been to Illinois since fifth, sixth grade, going down to the camps. He had relationships with Weber and (former assistant) Jerrance (Howard). He went down to Midnight Madness. He had a really good experience with the coaching staff there. He liked the school. He really liked the school.

"I guess at this stage it's the relationship part. Coach Groce, I've been talking to him, my wife has been talking to coach Groce. He seemed nice. (Jabari) had to have a relationship with him, too. It had nothing to do with the school per se. He has to feel comfortable with who's there and who's going to be the coach. I don't think he had a chance to (know Groce) because of scheduling and timing. It's hard for coaches to call Jabari because we don't allow coaches to call or text him. It was nothing personal (with Groce.) He likes the school. His dream is to play for his state school and win a national championship like all kids, but I think the timing, where they were and where we're at."

Scott Powers