Ray Parks still undecided on future

Ray Parks Jr., one of the highly touted rookies last year, has yet to finalize which team he suits up for as he plays in his second PBA season come March 1.

But he remains in talks with TNT, the team he last played for.

“We are still in negotiation,” Parks told the Inquirer in a text message on Thursday.

KaTropa coach Bong Ravena confirmed the development after the team’s practice, which Parks missed.

Parks joined the league via Blackwater, which made him team’s top pick last year. He signed a two-conference deal with the Elite but was traded to TNT for Don Trollano, David Semerad, and a draft pick in 2021. “We’re letting the kid think his situation thoroughly,” Ravena said in Filipino.

The KaTropa had hoped that the 26-year-old Parks could help them at another crack at a title during the Governors’ Cup, but TNT lost in the semifinals to sister team Meralco.

A source closely monitoring the situation told the Inquirer that TNT is looking to trade Parks but shot down speculations that the former NU star is being pushed out of the KaTropa camp like what happened to hotshot guard Terrence Romeo, who was traded on the request of TNT’s superstar core.

‍“As for now, I’m just focused on working out and getting in the best shape possible,” Parks said. “So when the time comes, I’m ready.”