Ray Parks sets out for a new challenge as he banners the Mandaluyong El Tigre who are making their debut in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Winner of Most Valuable Player awards with National U in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), Parks shifts his focus on the El Tigre as they tackle the Muntinlupa Cagers at 9:30 p.m. in the opening night of the Anta-Datu Cup.
Newcomers Marikina and General Santos City square off shortly after the 7 p.m. opening ceremony.
The Shoemakers are pinning their hopes on veterans Warren Ybañez and Erwin Sta. Maria as well as former Navotas gunner Yves Sazon. Actor Gerald Anderson will also suit up for the Elvis Tolentino-coached squad.
The MPBL may be Parks’ final stop before he signs up for the PBA Draft late this year.
Parks, who also saw action in the NBA Developmental League two years ago, is coming off an impressive stint in the ABL, where he helped Alab Pilipinas to the crown.
A losing finalist in the inaugural staging of the league, the Cagers begin their quest for redemption in the community-based league, which has expanded to 26 teams.
Interestingly, Muntinlupa was also in the running to acquire Parks’ services before Mandaluyong won the race to sign up the 6-foot-3 ace, who will join forces with college teammate Jeff Javillonar, Jay-R Alabanza and former Valenzuela center Mark Andaya.
The Cagers retained the services of Chito Jaime, Allan Mangahs and Dave Moralde and added power forward Chester Saldua to their lineup.