Finally, Bobby Ray Parks to strut stuff with Elite

MANILA, Philippines — With San Miguel Alab Pilipinas’ ABL campaign over, Bobby Ray Parks is expected to finally bring his act to the PBA with the Blackwater Elite team.

Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy told The STAR Parks’ entry is a done deal, with the former UAAP Most Valuable Player to sign a maximum three-year contract.

“I had a talk with Hans Sy two days ago. He confirmed Ray is playing for us. Sabi lang ni Hans ‘as long as you don’t trade him. Mas mature na yan. Lalaro siya sa inyo,’” said Sy, referring to his talk with the National U Bulldogs patron.

Parks, a former King Bulldog and son of PBA Hall-of-Famer import Bobby, is committed to sign with Blackwater which made him the No. 2 pick overall in the last PBA Rookie Draft. If he ditches Blackwater, the 6-foot-3 forward is to face severe sanction from the PBA.

Sy meets his re-tweaked coaching staff today in preparation for the start of their training for the second conference Monday.

The Elite will now be under interim coach Aris Dimaunahan as assisted by Bogs Adornado and Romel Adducul with Ariel Vanguardia helping as consultant. Pat Aquino, meanwhile, is the new team manager, with Joel Co stepping down to attend to his business in Cebu.

Dimaunahan has dropped his duties with National U and Perlas Pilipinas to focus on his task with the Elite.

“He’s the interim coach. Pero pagnakita kong ayos ang takbo ng team, aalisin ko na kaagad ang term na ‘interim,’” said Sy.

As for their import in the second conference, the team is trying to bring back former Houston Rocket Greg Smith.

“He’s in Puerto Rico right now and tied up until June 4. But we’re hoping we can get him here by May,” said Sy.