Parks joins NLEX ahead of PBA D-League Foundation Cup tilt

Bobby Ray Parks of National U gets away from Ateneo’s Chris Newsome. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX loaded its already stellar lineup with another superstar as Ray Parks signed up with the PBA D-League powerhouse that sewed up its fifth championship in six conferences just last month.

Parks, the National University ace who won the UAAP Most Valuable Player award twice, switched teams after his former squad, Banco de Oro-NU, begged off from vying in the Foundation Cup which fires off on Monday.

The tournament will still have a heavy 10-team field even after four teams, including BDO, opted not to join the fray this time.

NLEX team manager Allan Gregorio said Parks will debut with the team as soon as everything falls into place.

The Road Warriors kick off their campaign against Blackwater Sports on Tuesday.

Although Parks decided to forgo his final two years with the Bulldogs, the lefty guard intends to finish his school commitments. He also plans to try out in NBA training camps in the United States this year.

Parks joins a virtual all-star team that includes his fellow Philippine team members that bagged the Southeast Asian Games gold led by skipper Kevin Alas, Matt Ganuelas, Jake Pascual, Ronald Pascual and Garvo Lanete.