It’s been eight years since Bobby Ray Parks Jr. last competed in the Southeast Asian Games.
The three-time gold medalist in the biennial meet could not help but marvel at how much the competition has improved over the years.
“Southeast Asia as a whole is getting better. Basketball is more global,” said Parks, who won gold in Jakarta in 2011, Naypyidaw in 2013, and Kuala Lumpur in 2017.
“So, we just have to rise up to the challenge and stay ahead of the curve.“
Much has changed in the SEA Games since the Philippines hosted the tournament in 2019.
During the 31st edition in Vietnam, Gilas was dethroned by Indonesia.
In the next edition, the Philippines reclaimed the title but had to endure tough matches against host Cambodia, which fielded numerous naturalized players under their “passport-only” rule.
This year, Thailand opted to enforce a new regulation, banning naturalized players entirely. Despite these roster challenges, Parks answered the call.
(C) POC Media
“Isang karangalan talaga ma-represent yung Pilipinas, yung bansa natin,” he said.
“Honestly, time ngayon na magkaisa. And that’s the best way to do it, to unite us as a team.”
In their SEA Games debut on Sunday at Nimibutr Stadium, Parks, now 32, led Gilas to an 83-58 victory over Malaysia. He scored 18 points on 5-of-11 shooting, with six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
“Well, whatever the team needs me to do, I’ll do it — whether it’s locking down a defender, making shots for the team, or spreading the ball to get everybody involved,” he said.
“And, like I said, it’s a great feeling to represent the country.”
Parks expressed gratitude to his club team, Osaka, for allowing him to miss B.League games to play for the national team. He is especially enjoying the experience as it is the first time his wife, Zeinab, has watched him play in the national team colors.
“I mean, it really feels like home right now. All the countrymen are here supporting me. My wife’s here, so it feels great,” he shared.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to have that support. I really appreciate them for that.”
