Thinking of Dai-Jon...

As every minute passes, we move that much closer to Friday’s biggest sports news in the Peach State, because at 9:30 p.m. on that night, Milton star shooting guard Dai-Jon Parker will finally announce his college declaration. The ceremony will be held at Milton high, will be open to the public, and will be followed by the school’s version of Midnight Madness.

Anyway, I caught up with Parker on Monday (he was a guest on The Official Visit, 790 the Zone’s all-recruiting radio show on which I star, along with the great Fletcher Proctor) and tried to gather as much insight as possible into the future college star’s Friday announcement.

First, though, it’s worth mentioning that, in a way, Parker backtracked from some of the comments he’s been making over the last month or so. In more than a few interviews, the 6-4 guard alluded to a future position change, implying that the point guard spot may be his at the next level. When pushed on Monday, however, Parker said he’s really a “scoring guard”, and anticipates his style of play remaining the same for years to come. Of course, with Ohio State commitment Shannon Scott already running the show for Milton, Parker’s position change was never going to happen on the high school level anyway.

Now, as for where I think he will commit this Friday, I have a strong feeling it is down to two schools. Technically, five are still standing, and they include Georgia, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Rhode Island and Vanderbilt. Based on what Parker had to say, however, I really believe it is a Georgia-Vandy battle. If basketball is the deciding factor, Georgia will be the choice. Simply put, Parker loves head coach Mark Fox, the offense he’s installed, and the city of Athens.

Parker was also clear, though, about his desire to pick a school that has merit beyond the hardwood. In discussing Vandy, he expressed a ton of respect for head coach Kevin Stallings, but also for the campus and the education one can receive while on it. Specifically, Parker said he wants to go somewhere that would be worthwhile and enjoyable even if a knee injury were to god forbid end his career.

With that said, tonight’s decision should tell us a lot about where the kid’s head is. If education is the deciding factor, there is no question the Commodores will be the choice. And knowing that staying close to home isn’t all that important to Dai-Jon, I’m going to guess Vandy edges out Georgia here in what would be one of the bigger recruiting surprises in the 2011 cycle.

As a sort of reminder, be sure to check back here over the weekend for complete analysis of Parker’s decision, which by then will of course have been made. And, until then, remember to be good and keep reading.