Bobby Ray Parks Jr. played only two seasons in the PBA way back when. But he left a mark, making the Rookie Team in 2019 and compiling career averages of 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals.
Then, he left for Japan via the B.League as part of the first wave of Filipino players to take their talents overseas. Parks signed with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins in 2021 and proved to be a two-way force, averaging double digits in his first season while playing strong defense. In 2024, he left Nagoya for Osaka Evessa, whom he helped to a 23-27 record as one of the team’s more consistent players.
Ray Parks Jr. Is a Free Agent—and the PBA Is Waiting
Now, after only two seasons with Evessa, Ray Parks Jr. has decided to move on, ostensibly in search of greater challenges.
“For me, it was time to move on to the next chapter, whatever that may be,” he told reporters at the B.League Final Week at SM Megamall on Thursday. “I felt like it was my time to depart from Osaka. We achieved what we achieved, and I feel like I just want to compete more in that aspect, and I felt like there’s so much more that I can still do.”
One option is a return to the PBA, where he would surely command the max salary. He could even land with TNT Tropang 5G—a team with a championship core that may be one impact player away from becoming a true dynasty. Parks could also request a trade to a team of his liking should he feel that the TNT ship has sailed.
Why a PBA Return Makes Sense for Ray Parks Jr.
At this point in Parks’s career, a return to the PBA seems logical. He married content creator Zeinab Harake in 2025 and has a family in the Philippines. From all indications, the two-time UAAP MVP is a true family man who is incredibly close not only to Harake, but also to their children. Family time appears to be his biggest priority as he faces an uncertain offseason.
“I can’t even feel the offseason yet. I’ll take care of the kids first, and I’ll be away for maybe a month for the honeymoon, take some rest, and then tackle things from there,” he said.
A return to the PBA would mean Parks staying home permanently, allowing him to take care of his family full time. That alone could be a compelling reason to convince him that coming back to Asia’s first and oldest professional basketball league is the right move at this point.
Multiple Offers—Including Internationally
Then again, the now 33-year-old Parks could be looking at his last opportunity to sign a lucrative contract overseas. He acknowledged that he has “offers both internationally and locally.”
Given his success in the Japan B.League, it would not be a surprise if Parks takes that route again or opts to play in another overseas league. It would be a way to maximize what’s left of his prime for what could be one last lucrative contract.
Right now, though, talk about Ray Parks Jr.’s next move will have to wait. But whatever comes next, the son of PBA legend Ray Parks Sr. made one thing very clear:
“Whatever the next chapter is, I’ll be ready.”
