Osaka Evessa’s Ray Parks Jr. in action during a Japan B.League game. –OSAKA EVESSA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ray Parks Jr. said his next B.League season is “still up on negotiations,” but he remains grateful to have been part of the Japanese pro basketball circuit for the past four years.
“They haven’t announced me signing or anything like that yet, right? I think we’re still up on negotiations,” Parks told the reporters during the B.League Final Week Manila event on Thursday at Gateway Mall.
READ: Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos and Ray Parks embrace life in Japan
For now, the Filipino-American guard is focusing on family and wedding preparations with fiancée and YouTube star Zeinab Harake.
“I can’t just announce certain things for next year. It’s still up in the air. Right now, I’m just focused on my family and got big things coming up.”
Parks just wrapped up his fourth season with Osaka Evessa, where he averaged 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
However, Osaka missed the playoffs with a 29-31 record. No Filipino import made the postseason in the 2024–2025 season.
B.League imports including Filipino starrs Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena and Dwight Ramos during the B.League All-Stars game. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
Although his next stint remains uncertain, the 31-year-old relished the opportunities the B.League continues to give Filipino basketball players.
“It’s beautiful. It gives more chances for us Filipino players to go and see above borders, honestly. I mean, our league here is very talented, but you gotta give it to the B.League. You see what they’re doing in Fiba, so they’re doing something right,” Parks said.
“They have a formula, and they’re giving equal opportunities to everybody. I’m really grateful for the B.League for that, and it’s good for the next generation, so that they can travel and see Japan, see other countries. Really, it’s beautiful. The game of basketball is international.”
READ: B.League: Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks star in close victories
Parks, one of six Filipino imports in Division 1, hopes more Filipino athletes get the chance to experience playing in Japan.
“I hope so. I mean, it’s not just for me to experience, but for everybody to experience, too—especially chasing your dreams, trying to reach the highest level of basketball that you can, which right now, the B.League is doing their thing,” he said.
Parks also brought his son Lucas to the B.Hope ASIA Jr. Basketball Clinic, where he and clinic supervisor Shinji Tomiyama led basketball drills for about 50 children, a mix of local club players and Japanese students.
The B.Hope Asia 3×3 Challenge continues Friday with Matthew Wright of the Kawasaki Brave Thunders.
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Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido) and Kiefer Ravena (Yokohama B-Corsairs) are expected to join the weekend events.
