Parks more than welcome in PBA

I KNOW of at least three prominent local coaches who are eagerly monitoring the progress of Fil-Am Bobby Ray Parks’ campaign to play in the NBA.

They are Eric Altamirano, Parks’ coach at National University in the UAAP, Boyet Fernandez, his coach at NLEX in the PBA’s D-League, and Meralco head coach Norman Black, who was a very close friend of his late father Bobby.

Like Norman, Bobby was a resident import of the PBA for a long time, and both got married to local girls.

Ray’s mother is now based in the United States. Bobby Sr. divorced her years before he died.

I wanted to know the three coaches’ expectations for Ray were in the recent NBA draft. I guess they were all aware how difficult it is to get into the NBA. They were hopeful but not really expectant.

* * *

Although Ray was not drafted, hopes were kept alive when his agent Charlie Dy announced on Twitter that the cager was invited to join the Dallas Mavericks’ summer camp.

“Honestly, it’s still a long shot,” said coach Altamirano. “But I believe Ray is moving in the right direction. The fact that the Mavs invited him to their summer camp  is already a blessing.”

“This will give Ray the opportunity to show what he can do against the other aspiring players vying for a slot in the team. Whatever happens, I am very, very proud of Ray.”

Coach Boyet, on the other hand, expects that one trait will work strongly in Ray’s favor in the Mavs summer camp.

“It’s a tough road ahead for him, but I know Ray will outwork everyone to achieve his goal of being the first Philippine-born player to make it to the NBA. He is one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever encountered. I’m both happy and proud of Ray. I hope  he makes it,” Boyet said.

Ray will surely be very tough in the Mavs’ summer camp, Black agreed.

“But if he gets ample playing time this summer and performs well, that would be the key to his getting invited back to the veterans’ camp. I wish Ray all the best,” Norman said.

* * *

Assuming Ray fails to make it to the Dallas Mavs, it would be the PBA’s gain since he will surely return to the Philippines in time to apply for the league’s annual Rookie draft in August.

My favorite PBA deputy coach, who has had the opportunity to work with Ray, had only praises  for the cager.

“The time he played for our team in the D-League, he was very coachable. All-around talent. Terrific shooter, even as far as  the three-point area. Unselfish player, good passer, flashy penetrator, strong rebounder and defender. RayRay is explosive when driving to the basket because he’s such a high leaper. He flies high but he’s well rounded. Good attitude. He has no airs about him.” said Ronnie Magsanoc.