Ray Parks, Jr., who is a late addition to Gilas Pilipinas, has had his wish to once more don the national colors granted after he was named to the squad set to compete in the 2017 William Jones Cup in Taiwan from July 15-23.
The 24-year-old’s inclusion to the Taipei-bound Gilas team was confirmed by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Wednesday afternoon, during Chooks-to-Go’s sendoff party for the Nationals at Crowne Plaza in Ortigas.
As a result, the Philippines will send 17 players to the tourney, with 12 players being line-up each game.
“It’s a blessing and a privilege to rep the country,” shared the two-time SEA Games gold medalist and the 2015 SEABA champion. “It feels good to bring back unity and peace and that joy of playing basketball.
“Hopefully it brings back the unity of cheering for one country, for one goal.”
This mark the return of the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player to the national team since last year, where he saw action in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament here in Manila under then-head coach Tab Baldwin.
Now that the second-generation star has been given the chance to play again for flag and country, the 2017 ABL ASEAN Heritage Most Valuable Player is now looking forward to play alongside his fellow talented cagers.
“All these players are great players, very talented, very humble. To share the floor with them is a blessing and at the same time, we’re learning from one another,” said Parks, Jr., who is also set to play in this year’s SEA Games.
The Philippines is gunning for its sixth Jones Cup.
