Blackwater rookie Ray Parks. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao has to make do of the cards he’s dealt with for the upcoming Fiba World Cup.
According to reports, Blackwater rookie Bobby Ray Parks Jr. declined Guiao’s invitation to join the team’s Thursday practice at Meralco gym.
“Actually for today we invited Ray Parks but he declined so my understanding is he declined to be part of the pool,” said Guiao as per Spin.ph and Tiebreaker Times. “My understanding is he has different priorities.”
READ: Only 9 players show up at Gilas Pilipinas Thursday training
Parks has been nothing short of marvelous for the Elite putting up 23.4 points, which is top among locals, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Despite this initial setback, Guiao could get his own NLEX player in Kiefer Ravena as soon as Monday.
Fiba suspended Ravena from all competition for 18 months since 2018 for violating anti-doping regulations but Guiao said his sophomore guard could join Gilas’ practice.
READ: Gilas coach Guiao worried over availability of players
Ravena spent the past week in the United States but would be in the Philippines just in time for Guiao’s national team practice.
“We’re looking at some other guys we want to invite. We have a few other names whom we would like to invite,” said Guiao. “By Monday Kiefer will be ready. I expect him to practice with Gilas in the evening.”
Gilas Pilipinas is gearing up for the Basketball World Cup slated in August in China.