SUMMARY
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Dear NBA Summer League,
Filipino basketball fans across the nation and global diaspora are very proud of Bobby Ray Parks Jr and his quest to make it to the National Basketball Association. Regardless if he makes it to a regular season squad or not, the audacity to chase his dreams is something all can look up to, and we wish him much success.
But please, Hapee Fresh Fighters is not a college. It’s a Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League team named after a local toothpaste brand. He attended National University in the UAAP, where he was a two-time MVP.
He majored in Information Technology, not Fluoride. One doesn’t receive course credit for flossing at his post-secondary institution.
I get that some international players’ bios state their pro clubs when they were abroad, but there isn’t a language barrier in understanding the school’s name. The field could just as simply say “College/Club” if the intent is solely to state where it was that he last played.
The NBA fielded 101 international players on their opening day rosters last year. The time to look at the league as something only Americans can identify with is long over.
Besides, National University just won their first UAAP basketball championship in 60 years last year, so let’s give them their day to shine.
OK, my rant is over, and I want to just conclude by giving propers to the Dallas Mavericks organization and owner Mark Cuban for seeing the potential in Ray Parks. We know it isn’t charity, and Parks will have to work hard to stand out.
Filipinos are so proud of Parks that people are requesting to see video of the one free throw he sank against the Portland Trail Blazers. Hardcore fans stay awake until 4-5 in the morning to watch his games because nothing makes us prouder than watching one of our guys make it on the world stage.
We have a saying in the Philippines – “bilog ang bola” – and hopefully the round ball rolls in Parks’ direction when it’s time to fill roster spots.
Signed,
Just Another Hoops Fan
– Rappler.com
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