Parks applying for draft?
The rumor is two-time UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks of National University will finally apply for the PBA draft on Dec. 16 and he’ll likely go first, second or third overall. Parks, 25, could’ve qualified for the draft three years ago but delayed his application to pursue his NBA dream.
Parks saw action in six games for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League in 2015 then played 32 games with the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League in 2015-16. A Legends teammate was Allen Durham, now playing for Meralco in the PBA Governors Cup. When the NBA dream fizzled out, Parks went back to Manila and hooked up with Alab Pilipinas in the ABL. He’s now entering his third ABL season with Alab. In the meantime, Parks is keeping busy with Mandaluyong in the MPBL. A source said a PBA official recently reached out to Parks to advise him of the right timing to enter the draft. Parks has skipped the last three drafts but is apparently ready to join this year. There is talk that Parks is earning at least P300,000 a month in the MPBL and with a PBA rookie’s salary half the amount, he’s not jumping up and down for the chance to make the big leap. But the PBA official opened Parks’ eyes to the future, particularly as only the PBA, now on its 43rd season, can offer security to players. If Parks suffers an injury in the MPBL, will his team pick up the tab for treatment and rehab? In the PBA, he’ll be cared for by the league and his team.
The same source said Parks may not be picked No. 1 in case he applies. He may not even be picked No. 2. It appears the consensus choice as top overall pick is Lyceum’s C. J. Perez. Columbian coach Johnedel Cardel has come out in media pointing to Perez as the Dyip’s draft target. Columbian has the first pick, followed by, in order, Blackwater, NorthPort, Phoenix and Rain Or Shine (from TNT). The order was determined by how the teams finished in the Philippine Cup (weighted 40 percent) and the Commissioner’s and Governors Cups (30 percent each).
The scuttlebutt is after Columbian names Perez, Blackwater will tap San Beda’s Robert Bolick. But Bolick may not stay with the Elite. It’s possible he’ll be traded for an established veteran who can beef up Blackwater’s roster. Is TNT’s Terrence Romeo on the trading block? Parks will then be picked by NorthPort. Fil-Am Abu Tratter, who was born in Laguna, will likely come next. He could land with Phoenix to reunite with La Salle teammates Jason Perkins and L. A. Revilla. Rain Or Shine’s choice could be San Beda’s Javee Mocon or Ateneo’s Vince Tolentino.
Philippine-born players are given up to Dec. 3 to submit their draft applications. The deadline for Fil-foreigners was last Oct. 26. Trevis Jackson and Matt Salem are among the Fil-foreigners who’ve applied. Highly touted Fil-Ams Jason Brickman and Lawrence Domingo are expected to apply next year. The draft combine will be held on Dec. 12-13. The PBA will release the final list of draft prospects on Dec. 14.
**** The only man who has served the PBA as chairman and commissioner passed away last Sunday. Rey Marquez was elected the first PBA chairman with a oneyear term in 1987 and did such a solid job that he was extended thrice up to 1990. The position of chairman was created to supersede the previous high rank of president. While acting as PBA chairman, Marquez remained one of Pilipinas Shell’s top executives as vice president for personnel and public affairs.
It was a testament to Marquez’ professionalism that he was voted PBA chairman four straight years. In 1992, he was named the PBA’s fourth commissioner after Leo Prieto, Col. Mariano Yenko and Atty. Rudy Salud. He was commissioner for two seasons and instituted landmark changes that remain etched in the PBA’s history – including the adjustment of the Philippine Cup from the last conference to the first of the season and the renaming of the Commissioner ’s and Governors Cups.
Marquez gained an enviable reputation as a consummate professional who played a key role in growing the PBA in the 1980s and 1990s. The PBA will always remember Marquez for his impartiality, honesty, vision and unflinching passion for the game that millions of Filipinos love. His memory will be forever cherished by PBA players, coaches, officials and fans alike.