Parks to backstop RP 3-on-3 squad in Youth Olympics

Bobby Ray Parks Jr., son of seven-time Best Import in the Philippine Basketball Association, will try to make his mark when he spearheads the country’s 3-on-3 basketball team in the 1st Youth Olympic Games in Singapore from August 14 to 26.

According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala, Parks will arrive Sunday to start training with the team.

The 6-foot-3, lefty will also be joining some of Smart-Gilas’ training to provide Serbian coach Rajko Toroman a glimpse of his future.

“Bobby Jr. is now in China in the Nike All Asia Camp and he will go back to Manila either on Saturday and Sunday. By next week, we will ask him to come in for the practices," said Eala.

So far, the 3-on-3 national team to the YOG is composed of Parks Jr., Jeron Teng and Michael Tolomia.

Teng is another second-generation player. He is the son of former San Miguel Beer stalwart Alvin Teng while Tolomia is the younger brother of another former PBA player Chester Tolomia.

The fourth slot is being disputed by Michael Pate and Fil-Am Brandon Rosner, who was discovered by RP Youth team coach Eric Altamirano during their training in Indiana, USA.

Rosner, according to Eala, is a 6-foot-7 player who plays like Nino Canaleta and has the built of a Rafi Reavis. The former PBA commissioner will surely help the team in its bid to get past the group elimination.

The team is bracketed in Group D with Spain, South Africa, Croatia and US Virgin Island.

For the team to advance past the elimination, it needs to win at least two games to have a fighting chance for the top two spots that will move into the next level.

“We’re preparing the papers of Rosner. But our main problem now is if whether or not the YOG organizers will allow him to play because the entry by names has lapsed. If he will be allowed to play, then its good for us but if not, we have to look for another player possibly, Pate to fill the last slot," explained Eala.