MANILA (Philippines) - Representing the Philippines is not something new for Ray Parks. He’s already played several times for the national team, whether it’s was at several Southeast Asian Games, the SEABA Championship back in 2015, or even the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2016.

"[I want to see] Filipino players representing and playing beyond the borders."

He has played for professional clubs that represented the Philippines in international competitions as well when he suited up for Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

Even as an individual, Parks proudly reps the country when he plays outside of the country. Whether it was when he played in the NBA D-League or, most recently, in Japan’s B.League, the 29-year-old guard is always focused on playing for the flag - and playing pretty well, too.

That’s why after his first season playing in the Japan with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, Parks felt an immense surge of positive emotion.

"It made me proud that we were able to represent our country." Said Parks of the experience of playing in Japan as a Filipino along with other Filipino ballers. "The B-League is such a talented league and it’s great that a light was shined upon Filipino players because basketball is the number one sport in our country."

At the FIBA Asia Cup 2022, Parks - along with a few of his buddies that played in Japan - will get the chance to represent the nation once again, this time as members of the proud Gilas Pilipinas as they battle for the title.

This is the first time Parks has played for the senior national team since 2016.

Back then, when Parks played for the Gilas in Manila, he was still an up-and-coming talent anchored by seasoned veterans. He played 15.0 minutes per contest in both games, going up against the likes of France and New Zealand.

Now, upon his return, his role has been reversed. Parks is now the veteran on the team, along with the two most senior players on the squad, Kiefer Ravena and JP Erram. While he will immediately provide elite production on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court, Parks' veteran leadership to guide the young guns will also be highly valued.

He should be more than ready to assume that role, considering his enthusiasm to witness the success from the next generation of players.

"[The future of Philippines basketball is] definitely headed down the right direction in terms of talent and skills. Now it’s just about honing them and giving the next generation an opportunity to showcase it," he said.

The showcase opportunity is now from 12-24 July as the Philippines take on the best of the best in Asia & Oceania at Asia Cup 2022. They’ll be facing India, Lebanon, and New Zealand in the Group Phase, aiming to make it through to their first Final since 2015 or even maybe their first Asia Cup title since 1985.

Should they succeed, it would be a quick jumpstart towards what Parks personally wants to see from Philippines basketball in the future.

"[I want to see] Filipino players representing and playing beyond the borders," he said. "There is a whole world out there to see in terms of traveling, growth, and playing against great competition."

There is no surprise that is what Parks wants to see. He was one of the first to broaden that horizon for Filipino basketball players. Parks is one of four players to have played in Japan this previous season along with the Ravena brothers and Dwight Ramos. Three more players, SJ Belangel, Will Navarro, and RJ Abarrientos will also be playing abroad in the Korea Basketball League (KBL) next season.

Parks an co. are already representing and playing beyond the borders.

Now, they’ll  get the chance to put on that Gilas Pilipinas jersey once again and inspire the next generation of talents in the Philippines.

FIBA