Parks makes MPBL debut as Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa clash on opening day

Ray Parks makes his Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League debut on Independence Day as the Mandaluyong El Tigre and the Muntinlupa Cagers clash in the opening at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Parks, one of the top amateur players in the country today, signed up with the expansion team El Tigre, where he will join his former Alab coach Mac Cuan, after also being offered by the last year’s runner-up Cagers.

Joining Parks at Mandaluyong are JR Alabanza, Josan Nimes along with Mark Andaya and Jeff Javillonar, who last played for Valenzuela.

The opening double-header of the Datu Cup on June 12 will also see the debut of Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, who has reportedly confirmed that he will play in the 9:30 pm encounter as part of the 20-man line-up of Muntinlupa.

Go also participated in the PBA All-Stars legends shootout in Davao city last month.

Meanwhile, the Marikina Shoemasters and the General Santos Warriors kick off the festivities at 7:30 pm with actor Gerald Anderson joining

With 26 teams—from last season’s 10—seeing action this time, the second season of the MPBL is expected to last until next year.