Since the ASEAN Basketball League’s inception in 2009, no team has won back-to-back championships.
So for two-time Local Most Valuable Player Ray Parks Jr., this is what he and reigning champions San Miguel Alab Pilipinas are aiming to accomplish, as the regional pro league is set to raise its curtains anew in November for their ninth season.
“The ABL has never had back-to-back champions, so that’s what we’re going for,” Parks, Jr. told Tiebreaker Times.
As the third-year ball club is now chasing history, the product of the National University Bulldogs program is clearly confident with his team, even if they will be coming into the new season with a handful of new faces in tow.
During the off-season, Alab shored up its local lineup with the acquisition of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser – younger brother of PBA cager Matt – and former Chong Son Kung Fu BC’s power forward Caelan Tiongson.
“It’s great. It brings more athleticism to the table, being able to switch in defense, and just the length and youth to be honest. We have a lot of veterans last year, which was great because it allowed us to stay together,” Parks Jr. said.
“So just learning from them and being able to help these young guys, these newcomers would be great for us.”
The league has implemented a new rule that teams are now allowed to sign just three World Imports, thus abolishing the concept of Heritage Import. But for Parks, Jr., that rule will actually help the Filipino club team.
Alab has signed 7-footer PJ Ramos and have also re-acquired the services of Renaldo Balkman – both Puerto Ricans. The return of Justin Brownlee has yet to be affirmed, as he is currently with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA.
“It gives us space to have one more import, one more great talent on the floor,” Parks, Jr. said.
“Having Balkman and PJ, they’re just great talent. NBA-caliber talents. Really excited to learn from them this season.”
Still, Parks, Jr. is aware that it won’t be a walk in the park to retain their title. For the ABL’s ninth season, the competition has expanded to 10 teams, which is a league record – the previous high was nine, which was last season.
“Everybody got better, for sure,” the 25-year-old said. “But I’m confident in the team.
“That’s one thing I could say.”
