Parks ‘blessed’ to take part in first seniors game with Gilas

GIlas Pilipinas pool member Ray Parks. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Bobby Ray Parks had a stellar career with the Gilas cadets taking home three gold medals, and on June 8 the youngster can play his first seniors game as a member of the Philippine national team pool.

Gilas Pilipinas will take on Iran next week in a tune-up game in preparation for the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

“Nakaka proud, blessing talaga yung opportunity,” said Parks Friday at Meralco Gym.

Parks’ potential match up in their game against Iran could be veteran point guard Mahdi Kamrani, and despite their massive age difference—11 years to be exact—the 23-year-old could bank on his international experience to take on the 34-year-old.

“I mean I approach it as every game naman, matagal na rin akong nag ba basketball,” said Parks who played in the NBA D-League with the Texas Legends and won gold in the Southeast Asian Games and Seaba Cup.

Parks is confident the nationals can compete against Iran with Gilas’ mix of versatile guards and big men.

Gilas has Parks, Terrence Romeo, LA Tenorio, and Asia’s best point guard Jayson Castro, players who can all play the point, and big men June Mar Fajardo, Andray Blatche and Japeth Aguilar.

“It’s a good match up, kasi meron din kaming tall guards and talented din centers and big men namin, yung chemistry na nakuha namin ngayon malaking tulong samin,” said Parks, who has been with the team for almost a month now.