STA. ROSA, Laguna – Bobby Ray Parks hopes it would soon be clear where he is headed following reports that Blackwater is set to trade him.
Parks said he is glad to be finally drafted by Blackwater, although he admitted his main focus is to finish the season with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League before formally moving on to the next chapter of his career, in the PBA.
Parks said he also wants to know soon which team he is playing for.
“Blessing naman,” said Parks on Friday following Alab’s win over Formosa in the ABL. "Next chapter in my life. Excited. At the same time, gusto ko lang din malaman kung saan ako pupunta. Sense of security.”
Parks, who has been offered a two-year max deal with Blackwater, said he will stay loyal with the Elite until there is a final decision on where he is going.
“As of now, I’m loyal to the team that drafted me. I’m loyal to the team that has my rights and then we will just go from there I guess and focus on Sunday,” he added.
Parks said he isn’t bothered by the trade reports.
“Ganun pa rin. Focus ako sa Alab. Hindi ko rin alam kung nasaan ako ngayon. Hindi ko alam. I totally have no idea what is going on. As of now, I’m just focused on Alab. I appreciate Blackwater for drafting me. It’s a great organization. Where I fall, I just deal how it is dealt and then go from there. As of now, my focus is with Alab,” said Parks.
Parks said he has yet to speak with any Blackwater officials.
“Si Boss Charlie (Dy), siya na bahala doon. No one has reached out personally yet. I know for a fact that boss Charlie is talking to them. Sila na bahala. Si Boss Charlie na bahala sa negotiations. I know Boss Charlie will put me in a right position for sure.
Even after being drafted, Parks reiterated he will finish the season with Alab, while also expressed his satisfaction on finally being able to play in the PBA soon.
“Tatapusin ko Alab Pilipinas. This is my third season. I enjoy being with coach Jimmy, boss Charlie. It’s a great position to represent the country,” said Parks.
“Sa wakas, tapos na ang tanong. Sawa na ako araw-araw, ‘Parks, kailan ka magpapa-draft?’ Ayan nagpa-draft na ako,” said Parks in jest.