Seven-time Philippine Basketball Association Best Import Bobby Parks has already joined the National University Bulldogs coaching staff.
His son, Bobby Ray Jr., is expected to make his announcement to join his dad and turn the new breed of Bulldogs into a serious title contender in the UAAP this coming season.
NU athletic director Junel Baculi told GMANews.TV that he and the elder Parks already have an understanding regarding the future of the younger Parks, one of the most highly-anticipated rookies to play in the UAAP this season.
“I guess the handshake agreement me and Bobby had is a good indication that we have a mutual understanding regarding the future of his son, Bobby Ray," said Baculi in a telephone interview.
Based on the agreement, Bobby Ray Jr. will play for the Bulldogs for the next two years. The younger Parks will also pursue his plans of possibly playing for the national team in the near future.
“In that way, he can boost his stock more and let American scouts know that there’s a Filipino-American player who is making it big here and is still planning to pursue his plans playing in the United States," added Baculi.
The younger Parks has signed a letter of intent to join Georgia Tech, an NCAA Division I school — which has produced some of the best players in the NBA, including Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat, New Orleans point guard Jarrett Jack, and former NBA players John Salley, Mark Price, Dennis Scott and Matt Harpring.
According to the elder Parks, Bobby Ray Jr. was offered to play point guard.
A highly-placed source from NU said the Parks family was overwhelmed by the offer, which was the reason why the younger Parks signed the letter of intent.
Calls made by GMANews.TV to the elder Parks were not answered.
Instead, the PBA Hall of Famer gave a text message and made a promise to call the day after, as he was still in Tarlac.
“They (the Parks family) were overwhelmed by the offer of Georgia Tech," said the source, who requested anonymity. “But they have recommitted themselves in NU and in fact, Bobby Ray Jr. has already played in the Fr. Martin’s Cup, has been enrolled as early as last semester, and has been attending classes regularly and joining the team’s practices."
Bobby Ray Jr. was a member of the Philippine Youth basketball team that played in the Youth Olympic Games 3-on-3 competition.
He also averaged 10.4 points per game, to go along with 2.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals while playing for St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, Tennessee. He was also a member of the AAA state championship squad this year while playing for Melrose High School.
For his part, the elder Parks was given a special role in the Bulldogs camp.
“He helps out with our big men, but he won’t be sitting on the bench," said newly-installed coach Eric Altamirano, who will be assisted by former teammate Joey Guanio, Mon Jose and Vic Ycasiano. - Rey Joble, KY, GMANews.TV
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