Finally, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. has a major championship to display in his already-stacked trophy room.
The 25-year-old won the 8th ASEAN Basketball League crown on Wednesday night, as San Miguel Alab Pilipinas downed Mono Vampire BC, 102-92, in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The two-time Local Most Valuable Player made a mark in the win with 13 points, four assists, and a steal. He was consistent all series long, that he was rightfully adjudged as the Finals MVP.
Parks, Jr. averaged 22.4 points on an excellent 51.4 percent shooting, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists through five games of the highly-contested title bout en route to the award.
For all the flak that he has been getting about not being able to lead his teams to a championship — failing to lead the National University Bulldogs to the Final Four, and not being there during Hapee’s D-League Finals run — he was able to prove the doubters wrong.
“Y’all been grilling me about not winning championships. Hey, we here now. Write about this, tweet is, post it, do whatever you gotta do, put a billboard up. We got what we came for.
“Got the net, got the trophy, MVP, c’mon man. I don’t know what to say,” he added. “I’m just gonna enjoy tonight. I’m just thankful to god for the opportunity. I’m just thankful to Alab for the opportunity. I’m just thankful for my teammates and coaches for trusting me.”
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Before the ABL Finals, Parks, Jr. was vocal of his desire to bring home the regional pro league’s title not just for the Philippines, but for his father, too: the late, great Bobby Ray, Sr.
He wanted to win it in honor of his dad, who coached the San Miguel Beermen back in 2012 only to come up short in the Finals, no thanks to the Stanley Pringle-led Indonesia Warriors.
“Definitely. It’s unfinished business for sure,” said Parks, Jr. back then. “Of course, to win the championship is definitely the goal; winning the championship for him is great.”
Now, that dream has turned into reality.
Parks, Jr. couldn’t help but tear up a bit after the match. He was looking up as if thanking the Man above, and probably talking to his dad, that the unfinished business has been accomplished.
“Dad, we did it.”
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Photo from ASEAN Basketball League
With Wednesday night’s triumph and with all the individual accolades he has in the ABL, it looks like Parks, Jr. has re-affirmed his status as one of the best young players outside of the PBA today.
But the NU Bulldog and two-time UAAP MVP begs to differ.
“Was I gone? That’s all I gotta say,” quipped Parks, Jr. “I can’t say I’m back because I never left. I got no love for the past couple of months? Aight, talk about this for the couple of months.
“Come show me some love the next couple of months. Keep talking about this and come draft time, we’ll see.”
