RAY Parks’ versatility could be the key to success in the NBA D-League as the battle for roster spots continues at the Texas Legends training camp.
The two-time MVP of the UAAP, generously listed at 6 feet 4 inches, is eager to show he can play very well on both offense and defense, in both guard positions, and the head of basketball operations of the Mavericks’ D-League affiliate seems to be impressed.
“He’s a really good shooter… very versatile. He can give you some minutes at the point, he can give you some minutes at shooting guard,” said Byron Bogar, Director of Player Programs for the Legends, in the most recent episode of the Legends webcast Beyond the Bounce.
“He’s been playing great defense. In all he’s a great character guy,” Bogar added.
[See Texas Legends coach Nick Van Exel sees Ray Parks as leader on and off the court in NBA D-League]
The Filipino-American’s style of play as combo guard should serve him well as Legends Director of Scouting and Analytics Matt Morales noted that what the organization needs are players who can do well in different positions.
“It’s great because in the D-League we’re getting callups, we’ve gotta plug in positions, so when you have guys on your team, on your starting lineup or on your bench that can fill in the multiple spots, that’s so valuable in such a thin roster,” Morales said.
With days to go before the opener, on the road against the Austin Spurs on Friday (Saturday, Manila time), the Legends have yet to finalize the roster but head coach Nick Van Exel is confident he has the material to build a competitive team.
“Still learning how to play with one another but overall doing pretty good,” said Van Exel.
“Cutting players is always tough… but I think we have a solid 15, 16 guys who are very capable of being in the roster…. It’s gonna be a tough decision,” he added.
[See Ray Parks picked in NBA D-League draft by Mavs affiliate Texas Legends]
The Legends begin their season on the road against the Austin Spurs on November 13 and battle the Oklahoma City Blue two days later.
They play their first home game against the Spurs on Nov. 20.
Watch Ray Parks and the Legends during practice
Video from the Texas Legends Youtube channel
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