WE all had our sights set on Kobe Paras becoming the first-ever Filipino player to have a clear shot at a National Basketball Association (NBA) future. Kobe is doing it right…building from the ground up, so to speak, by going to high school in an NCAA Division 1 institution, getting noticed for the big waves he has made in high-school competition, and now ready to take the next step by going to college at UCLA and becoming a Bruin. Many NBA recruits come from the schools that participate in the March Madness.
But now comes Bobby Ray Parks, progeny of the legendary Bobby Parks, seven-time Best Import of the Philippine Basketball Association whose fondest wish before he left the planet was for his son to make it to the NBA. Maybe Dad gave it a push from up there, but Bobby Ray—also called Rayray or Ray—was invited by the Dallas Mavericks to be part of their Summer League Team.
If that isn’t a path blazed straight toward the NBA (much like the path taken by Japeth Aguilar when he was drafted 13th in the seventh round in 2012 by the Santa Cruz Warriors, the D-League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors), I don’t know what is. On Tuesday Bobby Ray Parks talked to local media in an NBA-enabled chat about his NBA dreams and the very real summertime he’s spending with the Dallas Mavericks.
Below are excerpts from the Bobby Ray Parks chat with local media, mostly answered by Ray in Tagalog, which we translated into English to save translation space:
How have the two games of the Summer League been for you?
I’m okay. I have to be patient and ready. I need to be focused when my name is called.
There were suggestions) that you take an NBA D-League Team for worst-case scenario. How do you manage dealing with everything that’s tied into your current scenario?
Actually, I haven’t talked to anyone in the D-League recently so I don’t have any updates on that. The opportunity to merely play in the Summer League in Vegas is already huge in itself, and I hope to continue to gain more experience. It’s a process. The Summer League is a stepping-stone. It’s a long process, so I have to be patient.
After this Summer League, what are your plans? Will you fly back to the Philippines or will you wait for a call (from) the D-League?
I still don’t have plans after Summer League. Like I said, I’m focused on each day because I really don’t know what will happen—if it’s a yes or a no. I just need to be ready. There are too many things to think of and a lot of things going on right now that doesn’t allow me to think of anything right after the Summer League. My agent and I will talk about it.
There has been a lot of pressure knowing that the whole Philippines is watching every step of your process in the Summer League, like new articles are coming out about what you’re doing every day, everyone is really looking forward, staying up for your games. Does this (pressure you)?
Not really. It’s actually encouraging to see the whole country supporting me in my dream. It’s really humbling, especially since there were a lot of sacrifices that had to be made to get here, and I really want to continue this dream, not just for me but for the whole country.
Can you describe the support that you received from the Filipinos in Vegas ‘cause Mark Cuban said he’s happy that there are Filipinos in Vegas who came out to support you, so can you tell us about it?
Sobrang blessing siya. I love how they’re supporting me out here just to help me reach my goal and my dream. Not just putting me on the map but the whole country, so it speaks of us. It’s humble beginnings for us but it’s a step through the door for the whole Filipino community. May it not be for me or for the next generation, as long as the Philippines is out there, I’m gonna say we’re one country and you know we got each other’s back.
Were you satisfied with how you played in the second game more than the first game because you got more playing time? Can you talk about that?
For me, I’m not going to be satisfied unless I get that contract, unless I get signed by an NBA team. I’m still hungry. With regard to the time that’s given to me, it’s on the coach. Whatever opportunity is being given to me is already special and a privilege. I’m no superstar that’s a lottery pick. When I went to the States, it was a humble beginning. I started from nothing and I’ve accepted my sacrifice early on, so I just need to persevere. So with the playing time I have, I really have to show that I can score and defend.
Can you talk about your father and what would you have told him now? What would you have wanted to share with him?
I would want to share with him na we’re a step closer. You know it’s a long staircase. It’s not really where I just jump into the platform of the NBA. I just want him to know that I’m just working hard each and every day, and trying to stay focused.
Ray, your father Bobby Parks was arguably one of the greatest hardworkers the Philippines has ever seen. What was his most memorable advice to you?
He just told me that out of every negative situation, always look at it as there’s a positive that can come out of it…. Just always focus on fun and what’s good for you. Everything is a learning experience. Every obstacle that you face is just gonna make you stronger.