NU Bulldogs to pin hopes on new coach, new recruit

National University is looking forward to finally barging its way to the Final Four for the first time in 10 years. And the Bulldogs are out to become serious contenders in the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament by acquiring a new coach and a promising player expected to become the future of the school’s basketball program. “We have a new coach and a new promising player, who is now playing for us in the Fr. Martin’s Cup," NU athletic director Junel Baculi told GMANews.TV. Baculi was referring to Eric Altamirano, the team’s new head coach, and Bobby Ray Parks Jr., the squad’s newest acquisition — that is, should the son of the former PBA import decide to stay put. Altamirano was tapped as the Bulldogs’ new head coach after the quiett but efficient bench tactician finished his commitment with the Philippine Youth basketball team. “Yes, he will be our head coach," added Baculi. “In fact, he has been handling the practice sessions of the squad for several months now. As for Bobby Ray (Parks), he’s been enrolled as early as last semester and has been playing for us in the Fr. Martin’s Cup." Altamirano was asked by NU management to coach the squad as early as last season, but couldn’t take the job because of his commitment with the national young men’s team. Instead, the former Philippine Basketball Association champion coach opted to work behind the scenes — as consultant. Eric Gonzales, last season’s head coach of the Bulldogs, was recommended by Altamirano, and the long-time assistant coach in the PBA and the MBA nearly brought the team to the semifinal round. “We were a game away from making it to the Final Four," said Baculi. “We want to improve on that finish this season under coach Altamirano." A highly-placed source from NU said Altamirano can now work full-time as mentor of the Bulldogs, as a new coach for the Philippine Youth squad is expected to be named by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas anytime soon. “They’re looking for a new coach because coach Eric (Altamirano) has already fulfilled his commitment with the Philippine Youth squad." As for the future of Bobby Ray Jr., son of seven-time PBA Best Import Bobby Parks, Baculi is confident he will be eligible to play in the coming UAAP season. Baculi, also the bench tactician of the Barako Bull in the PBA, believes the younger Parks will think carefully about his good future in NU despite a promising offer made by Georgia Tech, an NCAA Division I school that has produced some of the best players in the NBA, such as Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat, New Orleans point guard Jarrett Jack, and former NBA players John Salley, Mark Price, Dennis Scott and Matt Harpring. “The decision is, of course, up to him," said Baculi. “But Bobby Ray will be a valuable addition not only to us, but to Philippine basketball as well." Earlier, Bobby Ray Jr., a member of the Philippine Youth basketball team that played in the Youth Olympic Games 3-on-3 competition, clarified that he has yet to decide on his collegiate hoop plans — on whether to play for the Bulldogs or pursue his dream of playing in Georgia Tech, his ticket to possibly play in the National Basketball Association. The younger Parks avearaged 10.4 points per game, to go along with 2.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals while playing for St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, Tennessee. He was also a member of the AAA state championship squad this year while playing for Melrose High School. In 2009, Bobby Ray Jr. was even featured in Sports Illustrated's CNN network site http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luke_winn/07/10/parks/index.html. - KY, GMANews.TV