Young Parks sets sights on SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines - National University ace Bobby Ray Parks Jr.looks forward to donning the country’s colors in the Southeast Asian Games next and of course, leading the Bulldogs to a better finish next season, after winning the coveted Most Valuable Player of UAAP Season 74.

Parks will suit up for the Phl squad anew after competing at the 2010 Youth Olympics’ 3-on-3, teaming up with fellow collegiate stars in the mission to renew Phl’s supremacy in the SEAG.

“Competition will definitely be higher in the SEA Games and I look forward to representing the country there,” said Parks, an IT sophomore at NU.

Son of seven-time PBA Best Import awardee Bobby Parks Sr. , the young Parks was the league’s top gunner this year with 20 points per game, along with 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steal and 1.1 block.

He won MVP honors over Mythical 5 members Greg Slaughter and Rookie of the Year Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, Alex Nuyles of Adamson and Aldrech Ramos of FEU despite the Bulldogs’ failure to make the Final Four.

NU wound up with 6-8 with Parks playing his first season, good for fifth overall.

“This MVP award is truly a blessing, especially with all the adversities that we encountered this year. It should serve as a good stepping stone not only for me but for NU as we try to go for bigger goals next year,” said the 18-year-old Parks.

Sharing the limelight with Parks and company were RR Garcia of FEU, who won two special awards, Jollibee Champ and PS Bank Maasahan Player of the Year, and Jett Manuel of University of the Philippines, who was named Appeton Most Improved Player.