Ray Parks is relishing his return to Gilas Pilipinas Men. 

After five years, the veteran guard is back representing the Philippines in the ongoing FIBA Asia Cup 2022 in Indonesia. 

“It feels great, to be honest – honored and privileged,” Parks said on playing again for the flag. “And it’s very nostalgic wearing that uniform for our country. It brings back so many memories, so many fun memories of growing up with these guys I played. 

“Now we’re the veterans so it’s pretty cool seeing the next generation do so well and continuing to learn, continuing to grow. Same thing for me with each experience, I definitely cherish them in my heart.”

Parks is currently playing for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins. After a long season, he was planning on taking a much-deserved break before heading back to playing in Japan. But when Gilas needed him to represent the country once again, he knew he couldn’t let the opportunity pass him by. 

“When the call was there to play for the national team I dropped everything and I was ready for it. Let’s make it happen,” he said. 

Parks was able to practice with the team six days before the tournament, willing himself to get back into playing shape and get ready. He also had to assimilate himself into the system but fortunately, his teammates were there to help him. 

As the 29-year-old second-generation star said, he is now one of the veterans of the squad. He carries with him a wealth of international experience playing for the national team. He made his debut in 2011 at the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta along with fellow guard Kiefer Ravena. 

“We’re the vets now, it’s crazy to think that our first SEA Games together is like over a decade ago,” said Parks, who has three SEA Games gold medals under his belt. “[It’s] interesting to see how we impart ourselves to the next generation.”

Parks was once touted as one of the rising stars in Philippine basketball. Now one of the “kuyas” of the group, he gets a front row seat to see the next crop of talent unfold while also acting as a mentor. 

“These guys are athletic. These guys are crazy athletic and intelligent. I see why these players are being recruited internationally to play because they deserve it and they have the talent for it. These guys are legit for sure,” Parks said.

From the extremely athletic Rhenz Abando and the multifaceted big man Carl Tamayo to the skilled guards SJ Belangel and RJ Abarrientos and the entire roster, Parks is definitely impressed with the young Gilas squad. 

“Everybody just surprised me in the sense of how good they are and how much I can learn also from them,” Parks said. 

The Philippines is currently 1-1 in the group phase of the FIBA Asia Cup. Aside from this tournament, Gilas is also preparing for future competitions, including the FIBA World Cup next year. 

“More than the technical side, we gotta continue to gel and learn from one another. And definitely our defense – I feel like we need to build chemistry on that part too. And learn the system more and more,” Parks said. “I gotta continue to do my part and learn to get better.”

Gilas Pilipinas Men will take on New Zealand on Sunday to wrap up the group stage. They then aim to enter the quarterfinals after the qualification phase. 

“I can’t wait to continue to grow with this group and continue to learn,” Parks said. “And represent the country to the best of my abilities.”