MaxPreps 2012 Preseason Xcellent 25 Basketball preview: No. 1 Simeon

Key returners:

Jabari Parker (6-8, Sr., G/F), Class of 2013 Top 100 prospect

Kendrick Nunn (6-2, Sr., G), Class of 2013 Top 100 prospect, Illinois commit

Jaylon Tate (6-1, Sr., G), Illinois commit

Kendall Pollard (6-5, Sr., G/F), Dayton commit

Quron Davis (6-8, Sr., F), Chicago State commit

Ricky Norris (6-2, Sr., G)

D.J. Williams (6-6, So., G/F)

Newcomers:

Sean Moore Jr. (6-2, Sr., G), transfer

Russell Woods (6-8, Sr., F), transfer

Ben Coupet (6-5, Fr., G/F)

Circle the date:
Take your pick. The Wolverines didn't schedule softly in hopes of padding their record for a national title run. Simeon's biggest challenge could come Jan. 21 at the Spalding Hoophall Classic against defending Academy national champ Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.). The Chicago power will be out for redemption at that event after getting thumped by Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) a year ago. Other big games come against Julius Randle and Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas) in December, then Montverde Academy (Fla.) and Southwind (Memphis) in January.

Tournament time:
Simeon is a regular at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament south of Chicago and admirably isn't abandoning the event this season. The Wolverines have won the last two titles in Pontiac and 10 crowns since 1996. Curie (Chicago) and Waukegan are among the other perennial powers in the field. The tourney has a history that dates back to 1926.