Ray Ray Parks to apply for NBA Draft after stint with NLEX

Two-time UAAP MVP and former National University Bulldogs star Bobby Ray Parks Jr. has his eyes set on playing in the NBA. His late father Bobby Parks Sr. was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the third round of the 1984 NBA Draft but was cut just before the regular season. Ray Ray is looking to apply in the next NBA Draft and is hoping to see action in the sport’s biggest stage.

Parks is expected to suit up with the NLEX Road Warriors against the Café France Bakers later today in their PBA D-League match-up.

“I’m going to the US in the end of April to try out in the NBA. I’m going to join the NBA Draft,” said the 6’4” guard from Memphis, Tennessee. He joined the Road Warriors’ practice on April 4 and looked sharp during a tune-up game with San Beda’s Team B.

Parks’ inclusion in NLEX’s roster came at the right time as the Road Warriors will be missing five players in their next three games, namely Baser Amer, Arthur Dela Cruz, Kyle Pascual, Ryusei Koga and Ola Adeogun, who are all members of the San Beda Red Lions squad that recently flew to Lithuania for a two-week training camp. NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez and assistant coaches Adonis Tierra and Ford Arao likewise joined the Red Lions’ trip.

Parks adds more firepower to the already talent-laden NLEX roster as he joins crack guards Kevin Alas, Kirk Long, Borgie Hermida and Ronald Pascual in the backcourt.

“Right now I just want to fit into the system of NLEX, just be myself, and gain the trust of my teammates. I’m definitely looking forward to winning games with NLEX. I’m comfortable here especially that I’ve played with some of these guys before,” adds Parks. Ray Ray will fit in perfectly with the Road Warriors’ offensive system that mostly runs the Dribble-Drive Motion, the same philosophy adopted by the NU Bulldogs under head coach Eric Altamirano.

But ultimately, Parks’ dream is to someday play in the NBA.

“After my stint here in the D-League, I’m going to the States to train hard for the NBA Draft. I’m going to train with Coach Joe Abunassar’s camp in LA to better prepare myself. I’m also hoping to get invited to some NBA teams’ training camps,” said Parks, who revealed that he already had initial talks with some NBA teams.

“But right now, my focus is to graduate from school and be in good shape to play well in the D-League.” Parks is a candidate for graduation at the National University on April 13.

Before playing for the Bulldogs, Parks was a top high school prospect from Melrose High School in Memphis. He was being recruited by several US NCAA D-1 schools after landing in the Top 150 prospects for the Class of 2011. In fact, Rivals.com ranked him at No. 117.

Parks was reported to have committed to play for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets before deciding to suit up for the Bulldogs. His sudden “disappearance” from the US college basketball scene was described by some American scribes as “strange” and a “mystery.”