The interest surrounding the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft has shot up tremendously after the likes of Kiefer Ravena, Christian Standhardinger, and Jeron Teng declared themselves eligible. But for many, one more name is missing.
Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.
It was expected that the second-generation star would throw his name into this year’s draft after his Gilas stints in the last few months. For many, he has been long overdue, claiming that he should have been in the pros about four years ago.
But the October 12 deadline for appication had already passed, and Parks, Jr. — nor anyone from his camp — did not send out any intentions.
The two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player’s trip to the pro league has been postponed yet again. But for the 24-year-old from Parañaque, he has a huge reason as to why he decided to prolong his stay away from the PBA.
And it’s all because of the ASEAN Basketball League, where he is the reigning Local MVP and the main man of Filipino squad Alab Pilipinas.
“I felt like it’s just a better opportunity to play in the ABL for one more year,” shared the National University product to Tiebreaker Times, Saturday afternoon after a Chooks to Go-hosted #ManokNgBayanDanceOff held in San Miguel, Pasig City.
“It’s great to represent your country — Alab is basically like the national team right now. We’re representing the Philippines, so thankful ako na they wanted me back and they wanted me to join,” the three-time SEA Games gold medalist declared.
What made Parks, Jr. choose the regional pro league is the way the competition has improved for the upcoming season, as club teams from China, Taiwan, and Indonesia have joined — competition that will surely hone him even more.
“The growth is overwhelming because three new teams were added, so the competition level went up. It has skyrocketed,” he lauded. “It’s great competition out there and great opportunities for local guys.
“Just being around the Southeast Asian region and now it’s growing, it gives us the opportunity to to see what the foreign competition is like.”
The ABL’s level of play has vastly upped. But despite the tougher road ahead, Parks, Jr. is nothing but confident that Alab has what it takes to compete, especially now that the one manning the sidelines is one of the all-time floor generals in the PBA, Jimmy Alapag.
“I definitely have confidence from the coaching staff to the ballboy,” Parks, Jr. proudly asserted. “We’re still growing right now. Coach Jimmy is the head of the team — I love coach Jimmy. Just to be able to pick his brain and be able to play under him and learn from him is great.
“[The bosses] are doing great keeping the team together. It’s a great group of guys. Great personalities on and off the court,” he added.
“It’s not always about size; it’s also trying to go out there and win games and have each other’s back.”
Clearly, Parks, Jr. does not have an ounce of regret with the decision he made. But still, the question remains: will one of the best scoring combo guards of his time ever see action in Asia’s first-ever play-for-pay league?
“The PBA is such a prestigious league also, and I see myself there later on down the road,” he said.
“Hopefully next year. We’ll see.”
