Bobby Ray Parks Jr. will be joining one of the most storied basketball teams in Japan.
Nagoya has announced that it has signed the 28-year-old swingman for the upcoming 2021-22 B.League season.
“It is my honor and privilege to represent our team, and I can’t wait to get out there and compete and do our best to bring home a championship to the city of Nagoya.
“I’m excited to meet my teammates, management, and most especially all the fans,” said Parks.
Definitely, Parks is one of the biggest signings so far by a B.League team.
Despite being just 28 years old, the 6-foot-4 guard boasts plenty of experience both locally and internationally.
Photo from ASEAN Basketball League
After going undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft and playing in the G League, Parks joined Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League. There, he would win a championship and three MVP plums.
In 2018, Parks was the second overall pick in a stacked draft by Blackwater.
After a season with Blackwater, Parks would be traded to TNT.
During the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, Parks dominated, averaging 22.35 points, 7.82 rebounds, 3.12 assists, and 1.53 steals per game.
In the off-season, however, Parks opted not to resign with TNT. And he was able to get clearance from the PBA to play in the B.League.
“I love to play both ends of the floor (defense and offense) and can defend multiple positions — I like the challenge of guarding the best player. I do my best to attack, read and create opportunities for my teammates and can knock down the three-ball,” said Parks.
Nagoya has been in the game since 1950.
Last season, the Diamond Dolphins finished in fourth place in the West District with a 32-24 slate.
The team’s head coach is Shingo Kajiyama.
If ever Parks decides to play for more than two years in the B.League, the PBA will ban him for the next three years before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. TNT still has the rights to trade him.
Parks is the sixth Filipino to play in the B.League, following San-En’s Thirdy Ravena, Shiga’s Kiefer Ravena, Tokyo Z’s Juan Gomez de Liaño, Ibaraki’s Javi Gomez de Liaño, and Aomori’s Kemark Carino.
