NBA D-League alumnus Parks offers Sotto wise words
BOBBY Ray Parks Jr. offered inspiring words to compatriot Kai Sotto after the 7’2 center signed with the National Basketball Association (NBA) G League on Thursday, making HIM THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL PROSPECT TO JOIN THE new developmental league.
“I’m praying that he does (make it to the NBA). I support him in whatever decision he would have made. With him opting to go to the G League, it is a great opportunity for him to show his Godgiven talent,” Parks told The Manila Times in a phone interview on Friday.
Parks saw action in the NBA D-League in 2015 as a member of the Texas Legends.
The NBA G League was previously known as the NBA D-League.
Parks, son of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Bobby Ray Parks Sr., is now playing for the TNT KaTropa in the PBA. The Filipino-American hoopster also holds the distinction of being declared Most Valuable Player three times in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).
“It’s not for me to say if he can make it or not. I never got the chance to see the work he puts in day in and day out. But he has the tools, he has the talent, it is about putting in that work and given the right opportunity to show his God-given talent,” added Parks.
Parks told Sotto there is no substitute for hard work and a strong mind.
“Keep working hard and stay mentally strong.”
Parks is speaking from experience recalling how playing in the NBA D- League and NBA Summer League could drain one’s strength.
“Like what I’ve said before, kahit naman‘yung route ko, it wasn’t for everybody. It is not the route that is easily taken,” said Parks, adding, “Not being around with my family while I’m in the
US, not being able to have playing time, and knowing that I am not the man. There are times na garbage minutes lang makukuha
mo. You have to deal with the mental politics also to be honest.”
Parks believes Sotto should capitalize on his strength.
“The great thing about Kai is he’s tall. You can teach skills, but you can’t teach height. He puts himself on a level above the rest,” he explained. In 2015, Parks, with the Dallas Mavericks, became the first homegrown player from the Philippines to play in the NBA Summer League, registering an average of 3.0 points and 1.7 rebounds in six games. He was undrafted in the NBA rookie draft in June 2015.
In the same year, Parks played for 32 games with the Dallas Mavericks- affiliated Texas Legends in the NBA D- League, averaging 4.6 points and 1.9 rebounds. He joined Alab Pilipinas in the ABL in 2016.