Zags nab Windy City standout

In a major surprise the top senior prospect in the city of Chicago, and one of the best in the state of Illinois, signed a national letter-of-intent with Coach Mark Few’s perennially nationally ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs program of the West Coast Conference.

Gonzaga University’s head men’s basketball coach Mark Few announced the signing of 6-foot-3, 212-pound point guard Jeremy Pargo, Chicago, IL, Paul Robeson High School.

“He is one of the most highly sought-after players we have ever signed at Gonzaga,” Few said. “There were many Top 25 college programs who wanted him.”

Jeremy is the brother of Chicago Bulls guard Jannero Pargo, also a Paul Robeson graduate, who signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2002-03 season. He has since played with Toronto, and initially signed a 10-day contract with the Bulls last March, before signing a long-term contract at the beginning of the season with Chicago.

Jeremy Pargo played for Coach Mack Irvin’s Illinois Warriors in the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions last Memorial Day Weekend. His stellar play in that event earned him an invitation to the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Richmond, VA, last June. Pargo led his team to the camp championship, defeating the team that included future superstar, 7-foot junior center Greg Oden in the title game.

Pargo was rated the top point guard, and was the Senior All-Star Game co-MVP at the Reebok ABCD Camp in Teaneck, NJ, last July.

Chicago Sun-Times veteran prep writer Taylor Bell has rated Pargo the No. 1 senior player in the Chicago area, ahead of North Carolina signee Bobby Frasor; and the No. 2 senior in Illinois, behind Kansas recruit Julian Wright.

Last year as a junior, Pargo averaged 24 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. According to Paul Robeson coach Charles Richmond, “Pargo is unbelievably strong for a guard, has exceptional speed, quickness, and an uncanny ability to get to the basket.” Richmond praised Pargo’s attitude, unselfishness, and “his ability to make his teammates better.”

Pargo is the third player to sign with the Zags during the early signing period that ended last Wednesday. He joins 6-foot-6 wing forward Larry Gurganious, Berkley, CA, St. Mary High School; and 6-foot-9, 235-pound center/forward Mamery Diallo, of Midland, Tex., Junior College.

This talented trio should give Gonzaga the top recruiting class in the West Coast Conference.