Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.’s much-awaited debut for TNT came on Friday night, when the KaTropa took on rivals and fellow 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup contenders Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
The Texters acquired the second-generation star from the Blackwater Elite via trade last Sunday. He logged in over 42 minutes and made 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a block in the game.
Parks Jr. was even instrumental for his team down the stretch. He scored and assisted in eight of the KaTropa’s 10-0 run that tied the game up at 92-all with 31.5 seconds left to play.
Unfortunately, his debut got spoiled, as TNT bowed to the crowd darlings, 93-96. It also absorbed its second straight loss after opening the season-ending conference with seven consecutive wins.
With that, Parks, Jr. said that he shoulders the blame for the defeat, and that he should do better.
“I take full responsibility for the loss,” he said moments after the match. “TNT is a great group and I’m still adjusting, but the guys did a great job of taking me in.
“I gotta step into the plate and do better.”
Now with his first game as a KaTropa over, Parks Jr. is keen on learning his team’s system even more so he could further help TNT, who are missing Jayson Castro due to injury.
“Just getting to know the system more, when to get my shots and when not to. It’s more of settling in and trying to get everybody their shots, make their job easier,” said the three-time ABL MVP.
“Because that’s what I wanna do for Roger (Pogoy), Troy (Rosario), and kuya Jayson when he comes back, because this is their team. I just wanna fit in — you know, help them out.”
