Bobby Parks bares reason behind going home to PH
by Ivan Stewart Saldajeno
Salt Lake City—Bobby Ray Parks became one of Philippine college basketball’s modern-day superstars after opting to join NU and forgo a chance to play for a top American program in Georgia Tech.
On Tuesday (Philippine Time), he explained to sportswriters after his first pre-NBA Draft workout why he had to give up becoming a Golden Jacket and join the Bulldogs.
“The real reason I moved back to the Philippines was playing for the national team and also for my father,” Parks told the press after showcasing his talent to the Utah Jazz, the first of five NBA teams who invited the 6-4 guard to their respective pre-draft workouts.
The former Youth Olympian added, “[Playing in the NBA] was in the back of my head, but I’m just thinking about my dad and my family.”
Despite putting his NBA dream at a possible jeopardy, Parks believed that staying alongside PBA legend Bobby Sr. until his death was worth a risk considering the latter’s health problems.
“For me, it was worth it. To be there [with my father] until his dying seconds was a blessing for me,” Bobby Jr. said.
He later told the press that he was happy that he got invitations for the workouts.
“I’m here right now, working out for Utah–it’s a blessing,” Ray-Ray, as known by many, expressed his feelings.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Filipino community who supported him in his NBA journey.
Asked about his advantages, Parks answered, “My energy. Being a tall guard, I can play the 1 and the 2 and defend. I can knock down open shots, get layups, but I can be a leader and energize the team. I hope I can bring that to the next level and hopefully teams will see that.”
On the other hand, he thought he had a fine time with the Jazz during the pre-draft workout.
“I think I did alright. Just really trying to do what I can do and just work hard and show the coaches what I can bring to the team,” said Parks, who will join a draft class led by Jahlil Okafor and Carl Anthony-Towns.
Parks advised the aspiring NBA players, “Work hard. That’s what you can do at this point. There’s a lot of talent, and you just have to showcase what you can bring to the table.”
