Parks keeps Gilas fire burning
May 4, 2016 | 1:39am
MANILA, Philippines – If a door closes, a window opens.
That adage couldn't more apt for the Philippines, considering we're a country noted for our fervor for the game of basketball.
After news of Jordan Clarkson's exclusion from the 24-man Gilas lineup, the spotlight has been turned on to Andray Blatche – a tested naturalized reinforcement – and Bobby Ray Parks Jr, a decorated amateur who once made the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) his stomping grounds.
And since we sorely need the firepower for the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments set for July, hopes are high that the national quintet will include the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player in the final lineup. After all, Parks has brought glory in the younger edition of the Gilas (not once, but twice). And he has been hacking it out in the National Basketball Association's Developmental League.
So when the 23-year-old Parks posted this, it felt more than a timely window for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Gilas to strike. It felt like it's meant to be.
And in the sea of sharing that is the social media, a hint can go a long way. A simple tweet could drive many spectators crazy – especially those who fancy themselves as hoop junkies.
Let's make it happen #Gilas https://t.co/gMKUkCeIDz
— Ray Parks (@ray15parks) May 4, 2016
But even before, Parks have expressed his interest in donning the Philippine tricolor in the big boys' league.
“If I had the privilege of doing that, then I would love to,” he said in an earlier report. “I mean, I’m not only representing the country by just playing with Gilas but also wherever I go, I always have the Philippines on my back.
"In the Olympic qualifiers, I believe that as long as we play with ‘puso,’ we have a chance to defeat any team by just giving it our all,” the Texas Legend point guard said.
According to SBP's Butch Antonio, today marks the deadline for the submission of the 24-man lineup. The next list, which will field at least 12 names, is due on June 20.
Antonio, also quoted in a separate report, said that Parks is very welcome. "He’s one of the best young players in the country today.”
Parks isn't the only youngster in the 24-man pool. Joining the son of the former PBA legend, his namesake, are Kiefer Ravena (22 years old), Kevin Ferrer (23), Mac Belo (23), Roger Pogoy (23) and Russell Escoto (23) – all of whom have lent their services for the flag in the amateurs' side. Although it is worth noting that Parks is the only cager to have come close to displaying his wares in the NBA.
So two moves from Parks. Your turn, SBP.
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