Class still in session for Parker

Like other successful graduating seniors, Candace Parker landed the job first and will finish school second.

Los Angeles picked Parker No. 1 overall in the WNBA draft Wednesday; she will report back to her only college class Monday.

In other words, the best women's college basketball player has to finish night school before she can dribble around and dunk on the professionals.

But that's it then. That's seemingly Parker's last obligation to Knoxville, Tenn., unless you see things her way.

After leading Tennessee to an eighth national championship Tuesday and getting drafted the very next day, Parker hinted at her intentions.

"I feel like I haven't given Tennessee half as much as Tennessee's given me," she said. "So I feel like I'm always going to give back no matter how long I'm graduated from Tennessee."

The specifics unknown for now, Parker would first love to be a part of commencement. Ironically, it will depend on her new work schedule.

So until Parker, 21, makes more news -- whether that's donning a cap and gown or donating her time and energy -- here's how her days down south should be remembered.

Defining moment

While twice dunking against Army made history in the 2006 NCAA tournament, it shouldn't top Parker's highlight reel.

Parker's pass to Nicky Anosike against Louisiana State on April 6 should. The play, which didn't register an assist, revealed Parker's total worth better than any single stat could.

Trailing conference rival LSU 46-45 with 7.1 seconds left and a berth in the national title game on the line, the Tennessee braintrust made a gutsy decision in what's become an otherwise mindless situation.

Despite Parker shooting 6-for-27 in the game and later labeling it the worst of her career, assistant Nikki Caldwell still told head coach Pat Summitt, "We got to get the ball to Candace."

Summitt strongly agreed. She believes the best player in the game needs to have the ball in her hands when the outcome's on the line -- even if that person's fighting through the pain of a recently dislocated shoulder.

"I trusted Candace to make the play for us," Summitt said. "I thought it might also draw attention, and we might be able to get someone else an open look if they decided to double."

Throughout the game, assistant coach Dean Lockwood stayed in Parker's ear. He reminded Parker -- who took home the Naismith and Wooden awards this season in addition to being named the Associated Press player of the year -- about what else she could do besides score.

She remembered during clutch time.

The 6-foot-4 Parker dribble-drove nearly the entire length of the floor and unleashed a laser pass crosscourt, opting against a contested shot.

Posting on the lower left block, Anosike received the pass but missed the easy layup.

Alexis Hornbuckle, who inbounded the ball to Parker, trailed the play the entire way. She was supposed to arrive on the opposite block, but because of Parker's deep penetration, Hornbuckle glided into position behind Anosike.

Hornbuckle then executed the put-back with 0.7 seconds left before intercepting LSU's last-ditch inbounds attempt, sending the Lady Vols to the national championship game.

The play would not have happened had Parker not played the setup role and not believed in the unbelievable.

"Even when Erica White made those (go-ahead) free throws, my stomach never dropped and the losing feeling never came over us," Parker said. "I think that's what's so special about this team, is that we find a way to win."

Reaching the Summitt

Parker did not begin college as Tennessee's all-time leading shot blocker or second-fastest to 2,000 points. She had to work for it.

As often as that gets forgotten with great players, it never slipped Summitt's mind. Frankly, she didn't know how hard Parker would work upon first arriving at school.

Now, Summitt says Parker spends more time in the gym than anyone else at Tennessee. It's helped her become the best American female player and opened the dialogue for even higher praise.

"The big question should be, 'Who is the best player in the world?'" Summitt said. "Is it Candace Parker or is it [Australia's] Lauren Jackson?"

Seattle selected Jackson No. 1 overall in the 2001 WNBA draft. In 2004, she received a silver medal at the Olympics in Athens, Greece. In 2007, she became the youngest person (26 years, 77 days) in the WNBA to reach 4,000 points.

All of that's possible for Parker, who's already matched draft status with Jackson. As for this summer's Beijing Olympics and Parker's rookie year in the WNBA, she'll be fine if her future follows her past.

At Tennessee, Parker's numbers over three years stack up with some of the best.

She ended her career with 44 straight double-digit scoring games, helping her achieve the Lady Vols' fourth-highest scoring average all time at 19.4 points per game -- one position behind Chamique Holdsclaw's 20.4 mark.

Parker's 8.8 rebounds per game are tied for third with Holdsclaw. Parker's 275 blocks ranks tops along with her free throws made (526) and attempted (738).

And considering Tennessee has sent more players to the WNBA than any other school, those numbers speak volumes beyond their first impression.

"If you go back to the [FIBA] Americas Championship, every player that played in that tournament would say that for long stretches she was the best player," ESPN/ABC analyst Doris Burke said. "And I am including the best 10-year veterans in the league."

This-one-thing-I-do attitude has worked for Parker. She used her first year to rehab her knee and get physically strong; her second year to become a versatile player; her third to become a leader; this year to fine-tune.

Parker's always looking for something to work on in practice. Running the floor harder, going to the glass tougher, prioritizing rebounding and defense -- all of that.

"She's worked on her ball-handling, her left-hand hook, her right-hand hook, her jump shot, playing off the dribble," Summitt said. "She's really expanded her game through her commitment of getting into the gym and doing so."

No wonder Parker made the Dean's List during the fall semester. And no wonder she became ESPN the Magazine's 2008 Basketball Academic All-American of the Year -- the first Lady Vols player since 1980.

It's the same reason for everything else she does well. And why, when there are a millions reasons not to, she still wants to finish that final class.