Bobby Ray Parks. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Bobby Ray Parks’ debut lasted two days, technically. And as Tuesday gave way to early Wednesday morning, he was one unsatisfied star.
“They don’t want me in this league,” said Parks, the two-time Asean Basketball League MVP, whose 21 points went for naught after Muntinlupa spoiled his debut in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) with an 86-74 victory over the Mandaluyong El Tigre at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hounded by the Cagers’ defense all night, Parks frustration was heightened by four offensive fouls called against him in the first three quarters.
“Those were not offensive fouls. I attended the orientation,” said the former UAAP MVP, whose entry to the league drew controversy after the MPBL came out with a rule that limits Filipinos with foreign blood to a single slot per team, and even then, they must be below 6-foot-4.
“Anyway, this is just a stepping stone for me.”
Chito Jaime led the way with 17 points while Alan Mangahas contributed 16 points, six rebounds and five assists in a stellar all-around performance for the Cagers, who wound up second in the inaugural staging of the tournament.
Dave Moralde tallied 12 and Felix Apreku had a double-double performance of 10 points and 16 boards.
The Cagers bucked a slow start to kick off their campaign in the Datu Cup on a positive note just like expansion team Marikina.
The Shoemasters leaned on an explosive performance from Yves Sazon to subdue General Santos City Golden State Warriors, 88-81.
Sazon notched a career-high 33 points for the Shoemasters who also drew solid games from ex-pro Erwin Sta. Maria (17 points) and former Letran Knight Renato Ular (11 points and 15 rebounds).