Blackwater Elite governor Silliman Sy revealed that the team is now looking to raise their concerns to the PBA Commissioner’s Office regarding the status of second-generation star Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. for his rookie season.
The five-year-old franchise has expressed that they would want Parks, Jr. – the second overall pick in the 2018 draft – to be available for the 2019 Philippine Cup. But that is hanging in the balance at the moment, as the 25-year-old is still with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ABL.
‘Hindi naman parang intervention (from PBA). We want the Commissioner’s Office to decide on this. Yung timing lang kung kailan siya lalaro,” said Sy after the league’s press conference for the 44 season Tuesday at Conrad Hotel.
Parks, Jr. might take the same route 2017’s first overall pick Christian Standhardinger had last season. The rookie Beermen player missed San Miguel’s 2017-2018 Philippine Cup campaign to fulfill his obligations with Hong Kong in the ABL.
But Sy contests that Standhardinger had a board resolution that allowed him to do so, while Parks, Jr. does not, which is why they seek clarification.
“Itong case, ang sinasabi ko lang. Christian has this board resolution and board approval but we are verifying this muna. Commissioner’s office is verifying this. Verification means titingnan muna yung past resolutions,” he said.
“Then he will decide on it after he does his research on this one.”
With this concern now raised, Blackwater now eagerly await the decision of the Commissioner’s Office. But Sy asserts they would prefer that Parks, Jr. play with them as soon as possible.
The Elite badly need personnel following the recent departures of 6-foot-7 slotman Poy Erram, gunner Paul Zamar, and all-around floor general John Pinto. The three all departed via trades in the off-season.
“We wait and see the next coming days kung ano ang decision ni commissioner (Willie Marcial),” said Silliman, brother of team owner Dioceldo.
“Pero for Blackwater, with open arms, we would like him to play lalo ngayong kulang kami.”
