ANTIPOLO CITY — Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.’s rookie season in the PBA came to an abrupt end on Monday evening.
He and the TNT KaTropa bowed to the Meralco Bolts, 78-89, in the deciding Game Five of their 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series at the Ynares Center.
Despite the tough loss, though, the second-generation star — who had 15 points and 10 rebounds — took the result in stride.
“Definitely a different chapter — a chapter of growth,” said Parks Jr., who averaged 12.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in his first-ever PBA semis experience.
“Playing in the semis in the PBA is tough against a great and well-coached team. They knocked down shots and we’ll just learn and get better from that,” furthered the 26-year-old guard.
Now that his rookie season has ended, a question has come up: will Parks, Jr. remain a KaTropa in the long run?
That remains up to the management, since he only signed a one-season contract, set to expire this year, when he was taken with the second pick by Blackwater in the 2018 draft.
Even head coach Bong Ravena did not give out anything certain, yet as everything will still be assessed.
“Depende. Baka magbago pa. Baka magbago rin ang isip niya, magbago ang isip namin. Tignan namin, assess namin lahat,” he said.
“We have to sit down and think kung ano pa kailangan ng team.”
Parks, Jr. also said he and TNT have not discussed anything, but he hopes that they will enter negotiations soon.
‘Wala pa namang sinabi,” said the National University product, who arrived to TNT last month, as he was traded by the Elite in exchange for Don Trollano, Tony Semerad, and future draft picks.
“For the most part, we wanted to win this and try to make it to the Finals. Pero wala pa naman na-mention. Hopefully naman, God willing. Blessing naman to be in TNT.”
