NU win over Ateneo gives Bobby Ray Parks a sense of redemption
Even if he wasn’t on the court to help National U in its title campaign in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament, former star Ray Parks is making sure he can support his former team in any way possible.
The 6-foot-4 forward broke into a wide grin on Wednesday afternoon when the fourth-ranked Bulldogs completed their Final Four stunner against the top-seeded Ateneo Blue Eagles behind a thrilling 65-63 victory and advanced to the Last Dance for the first time since 1970.
Although he skipped his last playing year to chase loftier dreams in the United States, Parks came back to Manila and has been a regular fixture at the Bulldogs’ scrimmage, even simulating himself as Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena—a play that certainly paid big dividends.
“Nakiki-ensayo talaga ako sa kanila. When they we’re facing Ateneo, ako ‘yung parang Kiefer Ravena against them,” Parks told Yahoo Philippines in an exclusive interview inside the NU’s dugout as his former teammates basked in the glow of their biggest victory yet this season.
Dressed in a plain white shirt and black jagger pants coupled with a Chicago Bulls fisherman’s hat, Parks immediately stormed the court when the final buzzer sounded, exchanging high-fives with other Bulldogs, even hugging an emotional skipper Glenn Khobuntin in jubilation.
“NU played as a team today and I’m really proud of them,” said Parks, who helped the Bulldogs make two straight trips to the semis, including as the top seed last season that went down the drain against No. 4 and eventual losing finalist University of Santo Tomas.
Parks couldn’t help but feel he has gained an ample feeling of redemption. “Oo naman, para na rin talaga akong nakabawi. Kasi ‘yung number one spot, mahirap makuha ‘yun. But pagdating sa Final Four, it doesn’t matter because basically you have to win every game,” he noted.
His desire to help NU put an end to its 60-year title drought in men’s cage remains a top priority at the moment for the proud son of the late Bobby Parks, a former seven-time Best Import awardee in the pro ranks.
“Even if I’m not in the lineup, andu’n pa rin ako physically. I’m helping them out during practices, helping them out during the scouting report. At the same time, just cheering them on,” Bobby Ray pointed out. "Kahit wala naman ako, I feel happy for them. Kahit wala ako, andu’n pa rin naman ang tiwala ko sa mga teammates ko. I never doubted on them.”
With the Bulldogs now set to face Far Eastern U in the finals, Parks admitted he won’t think twice if NU coach Eric Altamirano ask for his assistance.
“Kung ano man ang ipagawa sa’kin ni coach, gagawin ko pa rin,” he vowed. “I’ll be there naman during the finals."
