Parks says he's PBA ready

As Ray Parks embarks on his third season with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, he isn't closing the door on possibly joining this year's upcoming PBA draft.

"I still have to ask boss Charlie (Dy)," Parks said, referring to his agent and Alab owner. "I trust him on his decision, what he thinks is best for me."

Parks' name has hovered over the PBA for the last several years but has never fully committed to joining the league where his father won seven Best Import awards. Ever since leaving the NU Bulldogs back in 2013, he has taken an unconventional route in his professional career. He tried his luck in the NBA G-League (formerly D-League) before landing in the ABL in 2016.

After two years in the ABL and winning backto-back Local MVPs, he is once again considering joining the PBA this December.

"I'm definitely excited for the PBA whether I'm coming in now or not. I know for a fact sooner or later, I'll be there anyway," he said. "I feel like I've joined every other league, proven myself. I'm not coming into the PBA as a rookie. I've been playing four-five years as a pro already. I'm definitely excited for that level of competition and to be at home and to have something that's stable."

Entering the PBA draft and still playing in the ABL isn't something new. Parks can follow the footsteps of a fellow ABL standout in Christian Standhardinger. The bruising big men first got drafted by the San Miguel Beermen but didn't suit up until after the ABL season. Parks, 25, can also be drafted, have a team secure his draft rights, and still play with Alab Pilipinas before joining his PBA team come the Commissioner's Cup. "That was a good move by Christian, right? That's possible, for sure," Parks shared. "I know boss Charlie wants me in the best position so whether I'm playing in the ABL and get drafted, or he says next year, then I'll just trust him."

In the meantime, he is determined to achieve a feat no other ABL team has done before: win back-toback titles. —

ESPN5