Fresh off concluding his stint with Osaka Evessa in the Japan B.League, Ray Parks Jr. admitted that the next step in his basketball career remains undecided.
Parks returned to Manila on Thursday for the B.League Final Week event at SM Megamall, where questions immediately surrounded his future after officially parting ways with Osaka.
“For me, it was time to move on to the next chapter, whatever that may be,” Parks said.
The veteran guard spent two seasons with Osaka after previously playing for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, continuing a successful run overseas that established him as one of the more recognizable Filipino imports in Japan.
In his final season with the Evessa, Parks helped the club finish with a 23-27 record in the B.League regular season.
Although Osaka struggled to contend consistently, Parks still looked back positively on his stay with the franchise.
“The stint was amazing especially like the first year. Second year, medyo rough honestly but it was great to be in Osaka. It’s a beautiful city, I love my teammates, very talented… For me it was time to move on to the next chapter, whatever that may be,” he said.
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‘I’M NEVER CLOSING THE DOOR TO ANYBODY NAMAN’
Ray Parks Jr. says he’s keeping his options open as opportunities come locally and abroad, while taking time to rest after his 2025-26 Japan B.LEAGUE season with Osaka Evessa. | via Vlon Bandivas/One Sports#Bリーグ #bleague pic.twitter.com/GTjhVF95AE
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 21, 2026
Despite remaining noncommittal about his next destination, Parks confirmed he is already receiving interest from teams both abroad and in the Philippines.
“Yes, we do have offers both internationally and locally,” he revealed.
Still, the 33-year-old said basketball decisions are not his immediate priority as he plans to spend time with his family during the offseason.
“But, 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,” Parks added.
His statement naturally fueled renewed speculation regarding a possible return to the PBA, where he last played for TNT Tropang Giga before leaving for Japan.
While Parks avoided directly addressing any negotiations involving PBA teams, he made it clear that he remains open to all opportunities moving forward.
“Next question po tayo, mahirap po ‘yan, pa-retiro na nga ako e,” Parks jokingly said.
“The PBA is doing what they’re doing and for me, I’m hoping for growth, I’m never closing the door on anybody. The Philippines will always be my home. For the most part right now, I’m just focused on the offseason and whatever the next chapter is, I’ll be ready.”
At this stage of his career, Parks appears to be balancing both flexibility and patience — weighing whether his next chapter will continue overseas or finally bring him back to Philippine basketball.
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