Sampson Carter heeds the call of a friend in need
The struggles of Alab Pilipinas have been camouflaged by their two wins over the Kaohsiung Truth. The team lacked an interior presence that was greatly exposed in their losses against the Singapore Slingers.
Needing a brand new set of faces, Alab’s management released the Lee brothers and brought in American reinforcements James Hughes and Sampson Carter. Among the two new imports, it was Carter who immediately answered the call after finding out that Alab skipper and good friend Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. needed help.
“When I was in New York, I had a couple more offers on the table,” the 26-year-old shared on Thursday morning during Alab’s practice at the Enderun Gym in Taguig City.
“As time went on, I passed up on a couple of offers and Bobby called me and was like, ‘Yo! We really need some help.'”
The bond between Parks and Carter has taken years to build. Back when Parks had to migrate to the States, he had played beside Carter in the Amateur Athletic Union [AAU].
“When Bobby was about 15 or 16, he moved to Memphis for a little while. I lived in Memphis and he joined my AAU team,” reflected Carter, who became state MVP.
“I used to be the young one, sat on the bench, just clap for them, play garbage minutes. I was playing 17-and-under back then and I was just 14,” Parks added.
However, the two would be separated. Parks went on to have a stellar career in the UAAP playing under coach Eric Altamirano with the National University Bulldogs. On the other hand, the Louisiana native spent five years with the University of Massachusetts, averaging 7.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.7 steals on 135 games.
Parks then went on to chase the NBA dream; at the same time, Carter was chasing his as well. And the two were reunited once again when they were in the training camp of NBA D-League team Westchester Knicks.
“We just reconnected a while ago. We were both in training camp for the Knicks,” the now-26-year-old forward said.
As the two rekindled their friendship, Parks would share stories to Carter about how passionate Filipinos are about the game of basketball and how he always comes back for National Team duties. These stories fascinated Carter, who wanted to visit the country at least. And once a slot opened up with Alab, he immediately packed his stuff and went straight to the airport.
“I heard about the Philippines through Bobby. Knowing Bobby and researching what he did for this country, it touched me. I can say he’s the reason why I’m out here,” said Carter, who stands at 6-foot-8.
“It just worked out in my favor, in Bobby’s favor. It’s perfect!”
With the connection the two have, Carter’s transition to the Philippine-style of play will be easier. And he is willing to make the sacrifices, especially for a friend who is in need.
“It’s going to be worth it, you know, you just gotta sacrifice. and I think, the Philippines is worth the sacrifice.
“I definitely think with our connection, and with James [Hughes] coming in, we have a more solid team now,” Carter said.
“It feels good right now to play with him and play for my country. I’m just glad he came in, he was open minded about it,” Parks added.
“We now have to put in the work.”
The two will immediately be put to the test as Alab Pilipinas head to Taiwan for the first time to take on Raymar Jose, Achie Iñigo and the Kaohsiung Truth on Sunday, January 7.
