Bobby Ray Parks: Homegrown baller pursues his NBA dream

Bobby Ray Parks is breaking new ground in his quest to be the first homegrown baller to make it to the National Basketball Association (NBA). After he played for the Dallas Mavericks in the Sumner League, he is now parading his wares in the D-League.

The son of PBA import, the late great Bobby Parks, he was offered scholarships in the US NCAA but decided to play for National University in the UAAP. A guaranteed top pick if he entered the last PBA draft, he chose to pursue his dream of making it to the biggest league in the world. From Texas, where he is now based, he joined select members of the media in this teleconference a few days ago.

PHILIPPINE STAR: You’ve had the chance to play for the Dallas Mavericks at the Summer League. How would you differentiate playing there from the D-League?

BOBBY RAY PARKS: The developmental league is part of the NBA and it’s a process of really trying to hone your skills so all those come into play. It is great experiencing it right now before stepping into that pedestal — the NBA. It’s still the same, but now we have to treat each other as teammates because we have to play together as a team.

What’s your normal routine as a player in the NBA D-League?

We have shoot around in the morning and it’s really a pre-game workout before the game starts, which is from the wings to the guards, to the big men, which is separated into three sections. They really allow you to break a sweat and get a feel for the court while you’re out there.

How is coach Nick Van Exel as a head coach? How does he differ from your (collegiate coach) Eric  Altamirano?

He’s a great head coach. He’s a player’s coach and he allows you to express yourself on the court but in a team setting so it’s really a privilege to be under Coach Nick. I’d say he’s very different from coach Eric because how coach Eric treats you is more of a son-type deal but coach Nick is more of a professional type level. He will treat you as a grown man.

So far, what do you think are the facets of your game that you should continue to improve on?

All aspects of the game, really just getting a feel for everything right now—what my team wants me to do, what my role is on the team.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far as a member of the Texas Legends?

The game is fast, but you have to think slow.

Bobby Ray, MVP of the UAAP

What has been the toughest challenge for you off the court so far?

It’s really all mental — missing my family and missing my Filipino food. At the same time, it’s a balance of not thinking too much of the game but just letting the game come to me.

Can you talk about your role with the Legends?

I haven’t really spoken yet to coach Nick on what is my role, but the whole team is required to defend and if that’s the aspect that I can bring to the table, then I would love to do that. Anything really just to keep me out there on the floor and just to be able to help my team get a win, I would take that challenge and take that role.

What part of your game do you think you’ve improved on the most since your time in the Philippines?

I can say that my shooting has really developed over here and at the same time getting that higher basketball IQ, that feed from the coaches, the breakdown on what we’re trying to do and how to read the game.

How’s the competitive spirit knowing that you’re all trying to get that call up to the big league?

Everybody’s really competitive whether it may be just from running, sprints, or to playing up and down. It’s very physical and intense. The practices really go for a long time, but at the same time, each minute we are competing.

When you found out you were drafted first overall in the D-League draft, who was your first call and what was your initial reaction?

First of all, it’s a blessing and a privilege to be selected in the D-League draft, especially by a great organization like the Texas Legends. Actually my first call I can’t even think about it. I was actually in a Korean restaurant just eating and trying to stay away from the Draft because I didn’t know what to expect and I was kind of nervous at the same time. I had no idea where I would go.

How do you stay motivated to keep going every day?

We all know that the D-League is tough. It’s a grind. Stay mentally strong and focused. It’s a tough thing for a basketball player because there are a lot of heartaches and heartbreaks that will happen down the road, but it only makes you stronger. Going through this process right now, it comes with sacrifice. The sacrifice is not just being with my family or being just in the Philippines, a place that I love. It’s my choice to be here and I’m sticking with it. I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for me to be here. So mentally, stay focused and actually the Word of God is what’s keeping me sane right now.

A lot of the fans are wondering because they want to see you back here in the Philippines, but obviously you want to do and pursue your NBA dream. Any timeline as to how long you’re staying in the States?

I have to stand by my decision of making this team. I have thoughts of coming back, but my word right now is just to be here and my commitment is here. My heart is here right now.

Could you describe your first game? Was it nerve wracking? 

Not really. I mean it’s really a different platform, but basketball is still basketball wherever you go. It’s more of just trying to get a feel for it because the last time I actually played 5 on 5 was during the Summer League so it’s been a couple of months since then. It’s more of just trying to get your basketball rhythm together again and most basketball players know that, just trying to get back and the timing.

You’ve been used to traveling from the game to your home, now you have to travel on a daily basis. Tell us about that transition.

Coming to States, I was packed and ready to go for even a year. I mean it’s tough not lying in my own bed and being in the comfort of my own home. Actually, the last few months, half a year now basically, I’ve been living out of a hotel and it is a different lifestyle. Now, the Texas Legends blessed us with an apartment so it feels more homey to me than just being in my hotel room.

Anything you want to say to your Filipino fans?

Please continue to support me in my journey towards making it to the NBA and being here with the Texas Legends. Thank you so much for being there by my side and just please continue to stay positive.

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