Blackwater seeks PBA intervention on Parks issue

MANILA, Philippines — Less than a week before the opener of PBA Season 44, there’s still no certainty on whether the Blackwater Elite would have with them No. 2 draft pick Bobby Ray Parks during the parade of teams in the opening ceremonies at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Blackwater and the Parks camp failed to resolve their issue in a meeting Monday night, and have sought the intervention of the PBA Commissioner’s Office.

The Elite team is hoping to have Parks with them right in their first game in the season, but the 6-foot-3 forward is keen on first completing his commitment with Alab Pilipinas in the current ABL tourney that won’t end until May.

The Parks camp is citing the case of Christian Standhardinger who finished his obligation first with the Hong Kong team in the ABL before eventually hooking up with the San Miguel Beermen.

“We had a board resolution on the Standhardinger case. I don’t know if it’s applicable on Parks. So we’ll let the commissioner decide,” said Blackwater official Silliman Sy.

“In fairness to Bobby Ray Parks, it’s stated in his draft application that he’s still under contract with Alab Pilipinas. But he’s also open to the commissioner resolving the issue,” said Sy.