After securing the ASEAN Basketball League title for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas on Wednesday night, two-time Local MVP Ray Parks summed up what he was feeling in a short and sweet simple message.
"Dad, we did it."
Prior to the start of the ABL Finals, Parks was already reflecting about his father, Bobby Ray Parks Sr., who was a coach in the league with the San Miguel Beermen in 2012.
"I was thinking about that even before all of this because to be honest his last mark was in the ABL," Parks shared when Alab were still on their way to the finals. "And me, I wanted to do the ABL first before I step into the PBA or whatever God has planned for me."
Parks Sr., a seven-time PBA Best Import and a legendary figure in Philippine basketball, passed away five years ago. The younger Parks said he had "unfinished business" because his father failed to win the title for the Philippines in 2012, losing to the Indonesia Warriors. Fast-forward to 2018 and after two years in the ABL, Parks' mission is now complete.
"I got emotional very early," Parks said on Wednesday night, offering the title to his dad. Parks had a phenomenal series against the Mono Vampire Basketball Club on his way to being named the Finals MVP with averages of 22.4 points on 51.4 percent shooting, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Beyond the numbers, Parks' most crucial contribution to Alab was his tenacious defense against Mono's offensive catalyst Jason Brickman. From simply being a scorer during his college days, the 25-year-old morphed into a solid two-way player.
"Can't say enough about this guy," head coach Jimmy Alapag proudly said as he looked at Parks. "Battled through foul trouble but still was in there, defending a great point guard like Jason Brickman."
"[I'm] Just really proud of our guys. We came out ready to battle, ready to fight, right from the opening minute," the first-year mentor added.
This may be the first season that Parks and Alapag have officially worked together apart from the national team, but their bond together started long before.
"I'm just thankful to boss Charlie [Dy] for the opportunity and coach Jimmy, who I really did look up to when I was young," Parks opened up. "I used to tell him I used to ride the bus all the way from Parañaque all the way to Araneta just to watch his games and now we're winning championships together."
Before Alab Pilipinas were on its way to its first ever title, there were numerous obstacles that stood in their way. From having only five players in October and figuring out who can join the team to losing their title sponsor at the start of the season, there were hurdles that Alab needed to endure. Parks, Alapag, and the rest of the Alab, including team owner Charlie Dy, who also happened to be Parks' agent, took on the challenges head on. The result was an unforgettable season capped off by a title.
"It was just a beautiful feeling to be here in the championship game, in Game 5, and bring it back home to the Philippines," Parks said proudly. "Playing in front of your countrymen. It's an honor."
After finally winning an ABL title for his father, what's next for Ray Parks?
"Right now.... Rest," he sheepishly said, breaking into a smile. "And just sink in. I definitely need a break. My body needs a break. My mind needs a break."
Will he still try to pursue a NBA dream? Or will he follow the footsteps of his father and embark on a PBA career? Or will he stay in the ABL? These are the possible questions surrounding the young star. For now, it remains to be seen what he has in mind.
"Next couple of days, me, coach Jimmy, boss Charlie, are gonna talk what's the next move. Coach Jimmy is a mentor to me. Another father figure, brother, friend, coach, you name it," he shared. "These couple of days, like I said I'm just gonna take a break and relax and enjoy. Take in this moment."
As Parks thinks about his future in the coming weeks, fortunately he doesn't have to make a decision on his own.