by Jonas Terrado

Ray Parks Jr. showcased his capability of delivering in the clutch in his second game in the PBA after Blackwater’s stunning 108-107 overtime win over defending Commissioner’s Cup champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Ray Parks Jr. of the Blackwater Elite (PBA Images)

Parks delivered 10 of his 28 points in the extension despite dealing with the difficult task of guarding Ginebra import Justin Brownlee to help the Elite secure a surprising 2-0 start under new coach Aries Dimaunahan. “People say I wasn’t clutch the last time when I wasn’t making free throws. Now what? I made some shots,” Parks said after Friday’s match.

The former ASEAN Basketball League star had missed a free throw in regulation during his PBA debut against Meralco last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, allowing the Bolts to eventually force the game into overtime.

Blackwater went on to win 94-91, giving Parks a winning start to his PBA career.

Parks’ performance hardly surprised some of the main figures from the losing squad, particularly Brownlee.

“I’m definitely proud of him, he had a really good game and (Blackwater’s) looking good this conference,” said Brownlee, who teamed up with Parks when Alab won the ABL championship in 2018.

“He’s a three-time (Local) MVP (in the ABL) so I’ve been used to see him play like that at Alab and I expect him to do big in this league,” added Brownlee.

So far, Parks has lived up to his billing as the No. 2 pick of the draft, averaging 24.0 points and 5.5 rebounds.

Ginebra’s LA Tenorio said Parks’ style of play fits well with how the Elite ran their schemes.

“We were really expecting na magbo-bloom siya sa team ng Blackwater because he can fill in dun sa spot na kulang nila before,” said Tenorio.

Tags: ABL , Aries Dimaunahan , ASEAN Basketball League , Barangay Ginebra San Miguel , Ginebra , Ginebra San Miguel , Justin Brownlee , LA Tenorio , Ray Parks , Ray Parks Jr.