In the realm of basketball, the weight of a famous family name can sometimes be a double-edged sword.
Yet, for Bobby Mark Parks, the talented 6-foot-5 lefty swingman, his brother Ray offered the best advice when he made the decision to join National University – to stay true to himself and not let the family name hinder his performance on the court.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Parks revealed that his elder brother, who currently plays for Nagoya Diamond Dolphins in the B.League, emphasized the importance of maintaining his own identity while carrying the Parks legacy.
“Just be myself, play the way I should play, don’t let my family name get in the way of stopping me or anything,” shared Mark about the advice his brother gave him. Ray led NU to the 2012 Filoil Preseason Cup title — the same tournament he is playing in now.
“Just be the best that I can be. That’s the best advice I have gotten.”
Beyond the confines of the basketball court, the bond between the Parks brothers remains unbreakable. Bobby Mark highlighted the regular updates and conversations they have, especially during challenging times.
“Yeah, of course, so we’d be talking day by day, usually after the games, and when not, we just keep each other updated,” Parks explained. Their brotherly talks serve as a pillar of support, guiding them through the trials they face in their respective careers.
Returning to NU felt like a homecoming for Parks, who previously played for National University’s Nazareth School under-14 team in the early 2010s before completing his high school education at Harding Academy in Memphis, Tennessee.
Although he initially struggled to find playing time during his college stint with Waubonsee Community College, choosing NU as his next destination was an easy decision. The familiarity of the school, coupled with the support he received from Coach Jo Gotangco, solidified his choice.
“Connection-wise, well, I played here when I was younger, and my brother was here as well,” he revealed.
“So I told the coaches, especially Coach Jeff Napa, you know, we had a talk and… I think I’m more comfortable playing here. Everybody is cool here, and my teammates are cool. I mess with everybody here, so it’s cool,” Parks added with a smile.
Looking ahead to Season 86, NU’s impressive performance in the previous season, where they triumphed over renowned teams like University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas, instilled a sense of confidence in Parks.
Parks’s addition to the NU lineup will undoubtedly bolster an already strong team, poised for success in the upcoming season.
The talented swingman believes that by fostering stronger connections with his teammates and continuously improving their collective skills, the Bulldogs have what it takes to achieve their ultimate goal next season – the championship title.
“I’d say just connect more with my teammates, and with my abilities and our abilities,” Parks shared.
“As long as we keep improving and match it to the team’s success, then we’ll be fine.”
