UAAP MVP Parks' next target: SEA Games gold

National University's Bobby Ray Parks, fresh from winning the 74th UAAP men's basketball tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy, is now keen on trying to bring home the 2011 Southeast Asian Games gold medal. In his first year, Parks took the league by storm when he rejuvenated an NU squad that is hoping to end its losers tag. Now, the 18-year-old is part of an 18-player training pool where the members of the national team will be chosen for the biennial meet in Indonesia. "It will be a privilege because it speaks not only for myself but for the country. It speaks of how basketball is here in the country and how we can regrow that," Parks said. Parks, son of seven-time PBA Best Import Bobby Sr., topped the league in scoring with 20 points while adding 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. "It's truly a blessing and I'm thankful to the supporters and the NU community. It's definitely a privilege to win the MVP," said Parks. Parks also said that he will definitely be working hard for next year as he hopes to lead the Bulldogs to the Final Four after a fifth place finish this season. "I just want to get better. Every time I step on the court, I have a bulls-eye in my back and at the same time, I have to bring my team to the Final Four," said Parks. "My original plan for the season was make it to the Final Four and not really to win the MVP. But I hope to (someday) bring my team to the Final Four but it's definitely a stepping stone for NU this season," said Parks. Parks is also among the Mythical Five awardees joining fellow first-year players Ateneo's Greg Slaughter and Kiefer Ravena—a testament on the impact this year's recruitment class. Adamson's Alex Nuyles and Far Eastern University's Aldrech Ramos are also part of Mythical Team. "There are a lot of talented players right now especially the ones that are coming in. The UAAP is a tough competition. Greg and Kiefer are in a great program with great players. They are a great fit to Ateneo," said Parks. — JVP, GMA News