UNLIKE most of the players attending NBA tryout camps, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. admits he has a distinct disadvantage.
The 22-year-old Filipino-American acknowledged he is largely an unknown commodity for the teams he’s been trying out for, he said in an interview with Ravi Shah of the Nets Daily News.
“Unlike most basketball players here who went to college, I have been off the map since I left high school. I will truly accept my position whether or not I get drafted. The most important thing for me is that I got my foot in the door for the NBA,” said the son of the late Bobby Parks, one of the best imports to ever play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The lack of familiarity and his non-inclusion in mock drafts does not deter the former National University standout from his dream to play in the most popular cage league in the world.
“Being drafted would truly be a blessing, but I completely understand if I don’t get selected. It’s great that I am in the United States now competing for an NBA roster spot,” said the homegrown talent who is currently trying to earn a roster spot with the Brooklyn Nets.
[See Parks on workout with Utah Jazz: 'I think I did alright']
Parks Jr, a two-time UAAP MVP, hopes to improve on his father’s NBA journey.
The elder Parks was picked by the Atlanta Hawks in the third round of the 1984 NBA Draft at 58th overall, but was cut before the regular season started.
He played for several teams in the now defunct Continental Basketball Association (CBA) before embarking on an international hoops career that brought him to the Philippines where he won several championships and was a multiple Best Import awardee.
For prospective NBA teams, Parks said he offers ‘competitiveness and toughness on defense.’
“Most talented players want to score the most points and record the most assists. I just want to be the guy that can bring energy and awareness on defense every time I’m on the court. I am also fairly tall for the point guard position and can be versatile in defending both the point and shooting guard positions,” Parks told Shah.
Asked who in the NBA is the player that he resembles the most, Parks deferred but said he likes Avery Bradley’s style of play, notably the veteran's competitiveness, defensive capability, and the ability to score when the situation calls for it.
Having previously worked out with the Utah Jazz earlier, Parks said he will also be going to the training camps of the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and could also vie for a spot with the Atlanta Hawks.
For full transcript of Parks' interview with Ravi Shah, click HERE