A student of the game: UAAP’s best player Bobby Ray Parks

UAAP’S BEST. Bobby Ray Parks of NU is fouled on the way to the basket by Greg Slaughter of Ateneo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

As the dust settled, a retooled National University found themselves below what was expected of them – another fifth place finish.

But even as the deafening hype died down, Parks simply rose above everyone else – bagging the most valuable player plum for UAAP season 74.

The 18-year-old slasher, son of seven-time best import Bobby Parks, racked up a total of 66.64 statistical points, bolstered his by seemingly-routine offensive domination, in a perfect attendance this season.

Some people take it the wrong way, though, because despite Parks being head and shoulders above the rest – his Bulldogs remained trapped in the trenches.

“I had to step up and get those 30 points because nobody else is contributing,” said Parks. in an interview with the INQUIRER. “Points are points but a win is a win, and that’s what I’m trying to go for. I’m not trying to make it seem like a I’m a ballhog.”

Parks averaged an impressive 20 points and seven rebounds during the season, but sometimes, even on a great shooting night, he just couldn’t carry the Bulldogs for the win.

But these speed bumps could only make Parks drive stronger.

“[What I learned was] Not one person can beat a whole team,” shared Parks. “It’s funny that a lot of hype was coming in, and I’m thankful for it. But I’m just doing it my best and giving it my all and giving my team a chance to win.”

And in 14 games, it wasn’t just the momentous victories that left a mark on Parks’ first year stay in the UAAP – it was actually the setbacks and the down-the-stretch faults he committed that were the most unforgettable.

“When I missed the free throws during the loss against UE, it humbled me, and it put me in a position where I can grow,” shared Parks.

“I couldn’t wait for that opportunity to come again. It actually came back against FEU [in the second round], [I made free throws] which forced overtime,” Parks added.

Parks is more than just a basketball player – or maybe Philippines’ first representative in the NBA – alright. He gets swamped with exams in school too.

“Me, I hit the books [in college]. My dad doesn’t even have to check if I go to my classes. I have to handle my business,” said Parks.

But as a student – on and off the court, the UAAP is not only a venue to do the thing he loves, but also a big learning experience for Parks.

“The best players I know are students of the game. It doesn’t matter how many points they put up or how good they look out there, they wanna go and give everybody a show everytime they step on the court,” said Parks.

“I just want to learn and learn again. I just want to improve more and create more for my teammates,” Parks finished.