Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.’s name hadn’t been included in coach Chot Reyes’ announcement via Twitter last June 9, where the multi-titled mentor called on the cadets and some new faces as part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool.
But 18 days later, the 23-year-old second-generation cager, who had reached out personally to Reyes to work out with Gilas, will now be donning the national colors anew, this time in the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this August. And the proud son of Parañaque City shared that having Gilas back fighting for flag and country is something that the country needs right now.
“It’s an honor and privilege again to be putting on a jersey again and representing the country,” said the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, who aims to win his third gold medal in the biennial regional sporting event.
“Throughout this time with the crises going on in this country, it’s good to have Gilas back and have everybody united.”
Parks, Jr. has yet to see the whole SEA Games lineup, but he is already expressing his confidence in the team. However, the 24-year-old hopes that they will all be ready for the competition.
“There’s a lot of talent here.
“I haven’t seen the composition, but the Philippines is top-tier right now in the SEA Games. We just have to be ready for everybody ’cause everybody got better, especially since coming from the ABL and seeing some of the composition, I know for a fact na basketball here in the Southeast Asia really got better,” said the reigning ABL Local MVP.
“I still believe in our team, in coach Chot and the system that we put together.”
Parks Jr. and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas will make sure that the country will be proud of them or they’ll go down trying.
