Bobby Ray Parks, El Tigre make MPBL debut vs Cagers

MANILA, Philippines — Bobby Ray Parks debuts for expansion team Mandaluyong as the El Tigre face the Muntinlupa Cagers in an explosive Independence Day opener of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The El Tigre and the Cagers actually figured in a tug-of-war for the services of the highly-touted Parks, a former two-time local MVP in the Asean Basketball League and member of the Alab Pilipinas squad that won the recent ABL crown.

But Parks opted to link it up with Mandaluyong which also features JR Alabanza, former pros Mark Andaya and Jeff Javillonar, who were recruited from previous MPBL team Valenzuela Classic, ex-Quezon City Capitals forward Gian Abrigo, brothers Thomas and Axel Torres of La Salle, National U standout John Paul Cauillan, collegiate star Rashleigh Paulo Rivero and actor/model Xian Lim.