SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — Ray Parks was sentimental after he and TNT booked the first 2020 PBA Philippine Cup Finals berth, Friday.
“We’re here now,” he said moments after their 91-81 semis Game Five victory over Phoenix Super LPG at the AUF Sports and Cultural Center.
The second-generation cager was at the forefront of the Tropang Giga’s attack with 26 and 10. But just as he always acts, he didn’t make it all about him.
Parks, instead, looked back on the journey that he and the team took, having to sacrifice a lot upon entering the bubble.
By Nov. 28, it will be exactly two months since the Tropa entered the former US military base turned economic zone.
“It’s not easy being in the bubble,” said the 27-year-old.
“We sacrificed two months. We sacrificed not seeing our families.“
So now that they have made it to the Finals — in TNT’s first Philippine Cup Finals in eight years — the sacrifice was all worth it.
“This is really dedicated to them,” he said.
Parks also tipped his hat to his teammates for the added inspiration to play at their best at every given opportunity.
“And these guys right here, man, it’s who you play for. And this is my family right here,” he said.
Still, the well-travelled cager was quick to remind that there remains more work to do for the best-of-seven titular bout.
“The job’s not finished yet.”
