Tony Parker signs with UCLA, gives Bruins another building block

Tony Parker completed a successful off-season for UCLA after its unsuccessful regular season.

Parker, a 6-foot-9, 280-pound senior center from Lithonia (Ga.) Miller Grove High School, signed a letter of intent Monday to play for the Bruins, giving UCLA what may be the top recruiting class in the nation.

He joins forward Shabazz Muhammad, guard Kyle Anderson and forward Jordan Adams. The Bruins’ class was ranked third, behind Kentucky and Arizona, by Scout.com prior to Parker’s announcement.

This is also a chance for Parker to reunite with UCLA assistant coach Korey McCray, his former AAU coach.

Parker, ranked as the 20th-best high school player in the nation by Scout.com, averaged 16.6 points and 11.0 rebounds to lead Miller Grove to the state title. He averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds and won four state titles during his high school career.

Parker joins a UCLA team that has a glut on big men, with Joshua Smith, Travis Wear and David Wear returning. UCLA was 19-14 last season, missing the NCAA tournament for the second time in three seasons.

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Tony Parker signs with UCLA, gives Bruins another building block