Parks to chase NBA dream this year

MANILA, Philippines - From the UAAP and PBA D-League to the NBA. 

That’s the path collegiate star Bobby Ray Parks Jr. of National U is looking to chart for himself as he pursues his NBA dreams this year.

According to Jude Roque in his blog “Sharpshooter” for Yahoo! Sports Philippines, Parks is set to fly to the US by the end of the month and try his luck in the world’s biggest hoop stage.

“I’m going to join the NBA Draft,” Parks was quoted by Roque.

The 6-foot-4 Parks seeks to get drafted exactly three decades since his father and namesake, the late Bobby Sr., was tabbed by Atlanta in 1984.

Parks Jr played high school ball for Melrose in Memphis, Tennessee and was among the top prospects of US NCAA Division I schools. However, he decided to return to the Philippines for college, joining the rebuilding National U and leading the Bulldogs to the Final Four the past season 76.

Eyes on the next NBA Draft, Parks will likely waive his final playing year with the Bulldogs. Parks is a candidate for graduation this month.

At present, the two-time UAAP MVP is committed with NLEX in the PBA D-League.

“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,” Parks told Yahoo! Sports.

 He also revealed having “initial talks” with some NBA teams.