What’s wrong, Bobby Ray?

PBA scribes honor Cone for title feat

Another championship, another individual accolade for Tim Cone.

For steering Barangay Ginebra to the Philippine Cup title in the most challenging period in the league’s 45-year history, Cone is set to be feted with the Outstanding Coach of the Bubble honor in today’s PBA Press Corps virtual Awards Night at the TV5 Media Center.

The Kings defeated the TNT Tropang Giga in five games of the historic bubble finals at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga to claim their first allFilipino crown in 13 years.

And Cone did it despite the uncertain times brought about by the current pandemic and the health status of his players.

After big man Greg Slaughter decided to skip the season, Cone was also faced with the spectre of key players LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar not in game shape entering the bubble due to personal or health reasons.

But the brilliant coach that he is, Cone found a way to keep the Kings competitive until both Tenorio and Aguilar were healthy enough to anchor the team’s campaign again.

The end result had the Kings winning their 13th championship overall, trying the fabled Crispa Redmanizers at No. 4 overall in the all-time winning list. Cone solidified his legacy as the league’s most accomplished coach with 23 titles under his belt.

Cone will be joined by 2019 Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year winner Leo Austria of San Miguel on centerstage during the special two-in-one awards night presented by Cignal TV. The program will be shown over PBA Rush on March 8.

Bobby Ray Parks Jr.

TNT Tropang Giga will embark on their mission to return to the PBA summit this season without ace guard Bobby Ray Parks Jr.

Parks, who played a key role in TNT’s runner-up finish in the Philippine Cup bubble, made a stunning announcement yesterday that he’s sitting out the 2021 season due to “family matters.”

His stint with Gilas Pilipinas is now improbable as well.

“It is with heavy heart that I will have to excuse myself and not partake in this year’s PBA season due to personal reasons, in particular, my family,” the 28-year-old posted on Instagram.

Parks is coming off a stellar performance in the All-Filipino in Clark, where he averaged 22.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 steals.

He was expected to come on board as TNT gets a reboot under comebacking coach Chot Reyes in a bid to win a first diadem since the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.

“It was not an easy decision to make, especially since I’ve been in constant talk with TNT management. But right now, this is what’s best for me and my family,” he explained.

The former ABL MVP joined TNT in the third conference of 2019 after a trade with his first PBA team, Blackwater. After his original rookie deal expired, Parks signed a one-year deal with the Tropang Giga in February last year.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent TNT and be part of such a special team and culture. Hopefully one day once everything is resolved, I can come back to the team and help bring a championship to TNT,” said Parks.