Ray Parks now fully focused on helping TNT, learning from Castro

MANILA, Philippines—With his contract dilemma behind him, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. has now set his targets heading into his first full season with TNT.

After fnally ironing out and agreeing to a contract with the KaTropa, Parks said he’s now focused on improving his performance on the floor while also learning everything he can from Jayson Castro.

“It’s definitely difficult because this is not a one-day thing because you still have to get the papers signed, the offer sheets, then you have to wait for the upper management to sign for them to finally offer you a contract,” said Parks during the PBA Media Day Thursday at Okada Manila.

“I feel that it’s a great weight off my back that I know my family will be taken care of and, mentally, I can focus solely on what I need to do on the court to help my team win.”

Parks, the second overall pick of the 2018 Draft, was an absolute talent with Blackwater averaging 20.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals nine games into the Governors’ Cup before getting traded to TNT.

His offensive production dwindled when he got to the KaTropa where he put up 12.2 points and averaged 6.4 rebounds.

Parks said that he just wants to make the lives of his teammates easier once he plays in his first Philippine Cup and to be a diligent student of Castro.

“I think it’s just communicating with my veteran teammates, and also Troy [Rosario], Roger [Pogoy], Jayson, and even coach [Mark] Dickel to figure out the role that he wants me to play,” said Parks.

Playing in the same club as Castro is also a blessing for Parks, who regards the once best Asian point guard as his big brother.

“my kuya, I definitely look up to him and I just want to learn and make his job easier,” said Parks. “All I want to do is pick his brain and learn from him because he’s been through everything off and on the court. He’s definitely an idol to me.”

“I watched him growing up and I’m definitely a fan of his game. I just want to learn and implement it on my game.”