MANILA, Philippines – Bobby Ray Parks, at 23, is giving himself two to three more years to pursue his ambition to make the NBA.
In that period, the 6-foot-3 guard/forward has to stay in the United States. Thus, he can’t be in the Philippines to train with Gilas Pilipinas.
“He still has his commitments there. He can play in a tourney with Gilas only if his time permits just what happened the last time during the OQT (the Manila Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July),” said Charlie Dy, the Manila-based agent of the former NU Bulldog.
“He still young at only 23, and he’s determined to pursue a dream he promised to his father,” said Dy of Parks’ vow to his late father Bobby Sr., a PBA Hall of Famer import.
But Parks, playing for the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, is not closing the door on playing for Gilas, according to Dy.
Parks has had a stint with the Gilas team under coach Tab Baldwin, making a good account of himself in their games against France and New Zealand in the OQT.
A PBA stint will also have to wait as Parks chases his NBA bid.