PBA Blackwater exec seeks clarification

Blackwater management yesterday asked the PBA Commissioner’s Office to look into the situation of rookie Bobby Ray Parks Jr. if there is a chance for him to play in the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup despite his contract with the San Miguel Beer ALAB Pilipinas.

“The nagging question is when he’ll play?” said Blackwater governor Silimay Sy during Tuesday’s press conference of the 44th PBA Season at Conrad Hotel held in Pasay City.

Sy said he already talked to Charlie Dy, who represents Parks and a co-owner of Alab – a team in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) – and that he was informed again that Parks is committed to finish his contract with the ABL team before he starts his PBA campaign.

Blackwater selected Parks with the second overall pick in last December’s PBA Rookie Draft, but because of his contract with Alab – which he indicated in his form in the rookie application – he won’t be available to play in the seasonopening conference. “We know that he has a commitment with Alab, but we’ll forward this message to Commissioner Willie Marcial if this is a similar situation to Christian Standhardinger (from last season),” said Sy.

The official of Blackwater explained that the PBA Board approved the case of Standhardinger when he applied for the Draft and that he will not play due to his commitment in Hong Kong in the ABL.