Parks interested to join Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – Bobby Ray Parks, a former collegiate standout with a stint with the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, is interested to rejoin Gilas Pilipinas.

“He was surprised Kiefer (Ravena) and Kobe (Paras) got an invite, and he didn’t,” said Charlie Dy, the agent/adviser of the former NU King Bulldog.

“He’s in the country and he’s interested to play for the national team,” Dy added.

Parks has played for Gilas under coach Tab Baldwin in the last Olympic Qualifying Tournament hosted by the country at the MOA Arena in 2016. Then he returned to the United States to continue his chase of a dream to make the NBA.

But he’s back in the country, studying playing offers, including one from the Sydney Kings in the National Basketball League in Australia.

“We’re still waiting for the concrete offer. If ever, that tourney starts in September,” said Dy.

It means Parks is available to play for Gilas at least in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon in August.

Gilas resumes training on June 20, with Paras, Ravena, Reymar Jose and Fil-German player Christian Standhardinger among those invited to work out with the Gilas cadets.

Matthew Wright, RR Pogoy, Jio Jalalon, Mike Tolomia, Von Pessumal, Carl Bryan Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, Ed Daquioag, Alfonso Gotladera, Arnold Van Opstal and Almond Vosotros are the Gilas cadets.

Mac Belo and Russell Escoto are also in the Gilas cadet pool but they’re nursing injuries.