Next for Parks: D-League or NBA?

MANILA, Philippines - A gloomy Bobby Ray ParksJr. emerged from the National U dugout after the Bulldogs suffered a heartbreaking 76-69 setback to fourth seed University of Santo Tomas Tigers, ending yet another frustrating season for the university.

He took the setback like a man, crediting the Tigers for “showing up” while admitting the shortcomings that gave the Bulldogs the dubious distinction as the first top seed to be toppled by the No. 4 in the Final Four.

On the subject of moving forward and returning for another shot at the elusive title, though, the two-time MVP left a lot of things hanging.

“I’m not sure. I’ve got a lot of thinking to do,” Parks said.

Aside from coming back to finish the unfinished business with NU, Parks is considering options like strutting his wares in the PBA D-League, joining the PBA Rookie Draft, and going to the US to pursue his NBA dreams.

“I’m not sure yet if I’m leaving (NU). Of course, I want to get that championship,” he said.

Parks was originally slated to suit up for Banco de Oro along with other Bulldogs in the D-League but is now uncertain of doing so.

“Not sure yet. Just want to take time off and see where it goes from there. Maybe train in the States, I don’t know,” he said.

Asked about the PBA, he said: “I still have to talk to my manager about that but of course, it’s still an option.”

The NBA remains part of his long-term plans: “Of course, that’s really my goal, my dream and (I’ll) try to work on that. Just have to sit down and really find my way out first.”

Amid all these are talks that coach Eric Altamirano is on his way out after failing to steer souped-up NU to the title the last three years. Parks, however, dismissed the talks.

“It’s not true,” he said.

Parks admitted the Bulldogs were outplayed by the roaring Tigers in the Final Four. They earlier lost the first game, 71-62.

“Sucks to lose, but hey, they showed up, played their type of basketball and congratulations to them,” said Parks, who was limited to 15 points in the deciding game, where he cramped out in the end.

“We fell short, (but) still God has a plan for everything, let’s see where it goes,” he added.

After the buzzer, Parks shook hands with UST coach Pido Jarencio, with whom he had a “word war” with regards to the physicality of the Phl brand of basketball days leading to the game.