Bobby Ray Parks: I’m not just representing myself but the whole PH

MANILA, Philippines – Former two-time UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr is currently in Las Vegas, Nevada, chasing his dream of making it to the NBA through the annual Summer League, where hopefuls compete for a chance at landing a roster or training camp spot once the next season begins.

Many analysts expect Parks, who’s playing for the Dallas Mavericks’ Summer League team, to become a household name if he returns to the Philippines and applies for the PBA Draft. However, he is still aiming for his NBA goal and, according to him, putting the necessary hard work to one day reach his dream.

But for Parks, the sacrifices he’s making to chase that dream isn’t just for himself. Every time he puts on Dallas’ uniform – he’s done it twice so far this past week – he’s not only representing his name, but also the millions back home in the Philippines.

“Sobrang blessing siya (it’s such a blessing),” Parks said during a conference call on Tuesday, July 14, about the support he’s received from Filipinos around the world over the past few weeks. 

“I love how like they’re supporting me out here just to help me reach my goal and my dream. Not just putting me on the map but the whole country so it speaks of us,” said Parks.

Parks, who went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft, has been under the Philippine media’s microscope since the announcement of his inclusion in Dallas’ summer league roster.

So far, in two games against New Orleans and Portland, Parks has played 3 minutes and 19 seconds, and 7 minutes and 52 seconds, respectively, and scored a total of 1 point.

 (READ: WATCH: Bobby Ray Parks scores first Summer League point)

No pressure

Does he feel any pressure from the watchful eyes back home, where his performances and any developments related to him are reported and talked about?

“Actually hindi (no),” Parks said to members of Philippine media.“Nakaka-encourage nga siya eh, na makita yung buong bayan talagang sinusuportahan ako sa dream ko. Sobrang nakaka-humble siya pati madaming sacrifices na naging involved para makarating dito and talagang gusto kong ipagpatuloy ‘tong dream na to, hindi lang para sa akin pero para sa buong bayan.”

(It’s actually really encouraging to see that the whole country is supporting me in  pursuing my dream. It’s very humbling, as well as all the sacrifices that were involved to get to this point. I really want to continue this dream, not only for me but for the whole country.)

Parks’ presence in the summer league has indeed brought more exposure to the Philippines, which over the past few years has become a hotbed for the NBA, with its number of fans who have followed the biggest basketball league in the world.

More Filipino players

During Parks’ Summer League match against Portland, Dallas owner Mark Cuban talked about the potential of an even bigger basketball market in the Philippines.

“We talk about loving basketball in the United States but there is no country more basketball crazy than the Philippines,” Cuban said.

“I’d love to see more Filipino players. I really, really, would. I don’t think people here realize the impact of basketball on the Philippines and that’s important. I would love [Dallas] to be the team of the Philippines.”

Parks, who’s been called a “man of mystery” while in Las Vegas, says that his Las Vegas stint isn’t just an opportunity for him to shine.

“They’re discovering the Philippines,” he said. “I mean para sa akin, di ko na nirerepresent yung sarili ko [lang] pero buong bayan talaga. And tulad ng sinabi, mystery nga ako. Mystery, puwede naman good yan, puwedeng hindi, pero kailangan lang natin i-represent yung sarili natin in the best way that we can.”

(For me, I’m not just representing myself but the whole country. And like what was said, I’m a mystery. Mystery, that can be good or not, but we just need to represent ourselves in the best way we can.)

“It’s humble beginnings for us but it’s a step through the door for the whole Filipino community,” Parks also said during the conference call.

He added: “It may not be for me or for the next generation. [But] as long as the Philippines is out there, I’m gonna say it: We’re one country and you know we got each other’s back.” – Rappler.com