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Tag: Ray Parks Jr.

  • Ray Parks Jr. stays in B.League, signs with Ibaraki Robots for 2026-27 season 

    Ray Parks Jr. stays in B.League, signs with Ibaraki Robots for 2026-27 season 

    Ray Parks Jr. will remain in the B.League for the 2026-27 season after signing with the Ibaraki Robots, giving the club a proven veteran as it looks to improve on its 19-41 record and 10th-place finish in the East Division last season.


    After concluding a two-season stint with Osaka Evessa, the Filipino standout has found a new home with the Ibaraki Robots, giving the rebuilding franchise a proven veteran as it looks to reverse its fortunes.

     

    The move keeps Parks in Japan, where he has steadily built one of the most successful careers by a Filipino player in the B.League. Having previously suited up for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins and Osaka Evessa, the former Gilas Pilipinas guard enters his third stop in the league carrying a reputation as a dependable scorer, facilitator, and leader.

     

    For Ibaraki, the signing comes at a crucial time as the Robots are seeking a fresh identity after a difficult 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish with a 19-41 record and place 10th in the East Division. 

     

    By bringing in a player with Parks’ experience, the organization is signaling its intent to become more competitive in the upcoming season.

     

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    Parks joins the club after helping Osaka Evessa during the previous campaign. His departure became official after Evessa announced the expiration of his contract, ending a partnership that lasted two seasons.

     

    Rather than viewing the move as a setback, Parks sees it as an opportunity to help shape a new project.

     

    “To the Ibaraki Robots fans, I’m really excited for this next chapter and grateful for the opportunity to be part of your organization,” Parks said.

     

    “I can already feel the energy and support, and I can’t wait to meet everyone soon, compete together, and give everything I have for the team and the city.”

     

    The 33-year-old added that he hopes to contribute to Ibaraki’s rise in the standings and help establish the Robots as legitimate contenders in the seasons ahead.

     

    Long before becoming a fixture in Japan’s top professional league, Parks built his resume across multiple levels of Asian basketball. He suited up for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League and also played in the PBA for Blackwater Bossing and TNT Tropang 5G.

     

    His continued success overseas has made him one of the most recognizable Filipino imports in Asia, and his latest move presents another opportunity to add to that legacy.

     

    As Ibaraki looks to move beyond a 19-win season and Osaka turns the page after a 23-27 campaign, Parks finds himself at the center of a new challenge—one that could redefine the trajectory of both player and club in the 2026-27 B.League season.

     

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  • Ray Parks Jr. keeps future open after Osaka exit, confirms local and overseas offers 

    Ray Parks Jr. keeps future open after Osaka exit, confirms local and overseas offers 

    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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    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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  • Kai Sotto, Kiefer Ravena, and Ray Parks close B.League chapters as new journeys await 

    Kai Sotto, Kiefer Ravena, and Ray Parks close B.League chapters as new journeys await 

    A major changing of the guard is unfolding in Japan for three of Philippine basketball’s biggest overseas names.

     

    After the close of the 2025-26 B.League season, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Kiefer Ravena, and Kai Sotto have all officially parted ways with their respective clubs, bringing simultaneous endings to three high-profile Filipino stints in Japanese basketball.

     

    For years, the trio represented part of the growing Filipino wave in the B.League — recognizable names carrying both pedigree and pressure while carving out careers abroad. Now, all three head into uncertain but intriguing new chapters.

     

    Among the three teams, Yokohama B-Corsairs posted the strongest finish with a 26-34 record, placing 15th overall. Ravena remained one of the team’s stabilizing pieces throughout the campaign, averaging 11.9 points and 3.2 assists in what ultimately became his final season with the club.

     

    “Thank you very much, Yokohama, for being my home for the past two years. It was amazing playing in front of the B-COR Boosters, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys again soon!” shared Ravena.

     

    Meanwhile, Osaka Evessa closed its season at 23-37 despite another productive campaign from Parks, who averaged 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

     

    “Thank you, Osaka, for embracing me from day one. The love and support from this city, the fans, and the community meant everything to me. I’m grateful to have worn this jersey and to have been accepted as one of your own. Osaka will always have a special place in my heart,” expressed Parks.

     

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    Despite their exits, both Ravena and Parks are widely expected to remain in Japan, with reports indicating new B.League destinations may already be lined up pending official announcements.

    The situation surrounding Sotto, however, carries a different level of intrigue.

     

    Koshigaya Alphas endured a difficult season and finished 19th with a 21-39 record, but Sotto still managed to leave a strong impression after returning from injury in January.

     

    The 7-foot-2 center averaged 13.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 28 games, showing flashes of the versatility and mobility that continue to attract international interest.

     

    “I’m really thankful to the Alphas community for the two years I’ve spent here. Uehara-san and Ryuzo-san, thank you for giving me the chance to showcase what I can do, as well as another opportunity after I suffered a midseason ACL injury and for offering me the chance to come back for another year. Koshigaya will always have a special place in my heart. Right now, the future is still uncertain, but the Alphas family will forever be remembered by me,” shared Sotto.

     

    Unlike Ravena and Parks, whose next stops may still remain inside the B.League, Sotto’s path could potentially stretch beyond Japan.

     

    The Filipino big man is expected to pursue an opportunity in the NBA Summer League this July, with several offers reportedly already on the table as he weighs the next move of his still-evolving career.

     

    For now, though, one thing is clear: three familiar Filipino faces who helped strengthen the country’s presence in Japan are officially turning the page together.

     

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  • Ray Parks Jr. closes Osaka chapter after becoming one of Evessa’s most reliable stars 

    Ray Parks Jr. closes Osaka chapter after becoming one of Evessa’s most reliable stars 

    Ray Parks Jr. arrived in Japan searching for stability in his overseas career.

     

    Two years later, he leaves Osaka Evessa as one of the club’s most dependable players and one of the most respected Asian imports in the B.LEAGUE.

     

    Osaka officially announced Monday that Parks’ stint with the team has ended following the expiration of his contract, bringing to a close a productive chapter that helped revive the Fil-Am guard’s career abroad.

     

    “Thank you, Osaka, for embracing me from day one,” Parks said in a team statement.

    “I’m grateful to have worn this jersey and to be accepted as one of your own. Osaka will always have a special place in my heart.”

     

    While Osaka failed to reach the playoffs during the 2025-26 campaign, Parks remained one of the squad’s steady bright spots from start to finish.

     

    The 33-year-old averaged 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 55 games this season, continuing the consistent all-around production he displayed throughout his stay with the club.

    The Evessa ended the year ninth in the Western Conference with a 23-37 record, falling short of postseason qualification despite several strong stretches from Parks.

     

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    Among his biggest performances this season was a career-high 28-point explosion against the Kyoto Hannaryz last April, along with a midseason scoring run where he delivered 20, 25, and 20 points in three straight games.

     

    But Parks’ impact in Osaka went beyond individual scoring nights.

     

    It was with the Evessa where he produced one of the finest stretches of his international career, capturing the league’s Impressive Asia Player of the Year award during the 2024-25 season after posting averages of 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

     

    Across two seasons with Osaka, Parks averaged 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, numbers that reflected both his consistency and versatility as one of the team’s focal points on both ends of the floor.

     

    Now entering another offseason, Parks once again finds himself at a crossroads — only this time with a stronger résumé, renewed momentum, and proof that his game can thrive on the international stage.

     

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  • Ray Parks Jr. vs Francis Lopez duel headlines Filipino showdown as Osaka and Nagoya split B.League weekend

    Ray Parks Jr. vs Francis Lopez duel headlines Filipino showdown as Osaka and Nagoya split B.League weekend

    Japan B.League was defined by a fiery Filipino duel between Ray Parks Jr. and Francis Lopez, as Osaka Evessa and Nagoya Fighting Eagles split their head-to-head series in two contrasting games.


    Parks drew first blood, leading Osaka to a 91-81 victory with 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists, setting the tone with his steady scoring and all-around presence. 

     

    But Lopez quickly answered in the return matchup, exploding for 23 points, three rebounds, and an assist to power Nagoya to an 87-73 win and level the series.

     

    While the Parks-Lopez showdown took center stage, other Filipino players also made their mark across Japan.

     

    Dwight Ramos delivered a clutch performance for Levanga Hokkaido, finishing with 14 points and drilling a game-tying triple with 9.6 seconds left against Nagasaki Velca. 

     

    However, Hokkaido fell short in the final seconds after a costly foul led to the winning free throw, leaving them at 32-20 and still chasing playoff-positioning teams Alvark Tokyo and Chiba Jets.

     

    Kai Sotto also put up strong numbers for the Koshigaya Alphas, finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds in an 87-85 loss to the Akita Northern Happinets. 

     

    Despite the narrow defeat, Sotto’s interior presence remained a bright spot as he continued to anchor his team’s paint defense and rebounding efforts.

     

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    Meanwhile, Kiefer Ravena helped the Yokohama B-Corsairs extend their strong run with an 89-81 win over Altiri Chiba. 

     

    Even with just four points, Ravena contributed to Yokohama’s third straight victory and seventh in their last nine games, as the team continued to climb with balanced production.

     

    Beyond the box scores, the weekend painted a broader picture of Filipino players carving out meaningful roles across Japan. Parks continues to be a steady offensive anchor for Osaka, while Lopez is quickly emerging as a reliable scoring option capable of swinging games. 

     

    Ramos, on the other hand, remains at the center of high-pressure situations for Hokkaido, trusted to deliver in crucial moments as they push for postseason positioning. 

     

    His late-game triple, even in defeat, reinforced his reputation as a dependable closer, while Sotto’s interior presence showed how he is steadily evolving into a consistent double-double threat despite his team’s struggles in the standings.

     

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  • Love Off the Court: Filipino Athletes and Their Celebrity Partners

    Love Off the Court: Filipino Athletes and Their Celebrity Partners

    From championship arenas to red carpets, some of the Philippines’ biggest sports stars are sharing the spotlight with equally high-profile partners from entertainment, media, and the digital space. These athlete-celebrity relationships have captured public attention—not just for who they are, but for how seamlessly their worlds collide.

     

    Ray Parks Jr. & Zeinab Harake

     

    One of the most talked-about unions in recent memory, Ray Parks Jr. and Zeinab Harake turned their real-life love story into a modern fairytale. The veteran Gilas Pilipinas guard and the top-tier content creator married in June 2025 following a widely followed engagement that featured mutual proposals—one in the Philippines and another in Japan.

     

    Parks, known for his calm leadership on the court and stints abroad, has often credited Zeinab as a grounding presence during transitions in his career. Harake, meanwhile, has brought fans along for the ride through her vlogs, offering glimpses of their life that helped humanize one of Philippine basketball’s most recognizable names.


    Kiefer Ravena & Diana Mackey

     

    Kiefer Ravena’s relationship with Diana Mackey unfolded quickly—but not quietly. The former UAAP MVP and Gilas mainstay married the beauty queen and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate in June 2025, just months after their relationship became public in late 2024.

     

    Ravena, who has played professionally both locally and overseas, has long kept his personal life guarded. That made the announcement all the more surprising—and warmly received. Mackey, a former Miss World Philippines candidate, has since become a steady courtside presence, offering visible support as Ravena continues to balance leadership responsibilities and international commitments.

     

    Carlos Yulo & Chloe San Jose

     

    Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo has found a different kind of balance away from the gym with influencer Chloe San Jose. While both have kept details of their relationship relatively private, the pair have become familiar faces at high-profile events, including the 2025 ABS-CBN Ball.

     

    Yulo’s rise as one of the most decorated Filipino athletes of his generation has placed him firmly in the national spotlight. San Jose, known for her lifestyle and fashion content, complements that visibility, with the couple often embodying a modern blend of sports excellence and pop-culture relevance.

     

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    Bianca Gonzalez & JC Intal

     

    Long before athlete-celebrity pairings became commonplace, Bianca Gonzalez and JC Intal quietly built one of the most enduring partnerships in Philippine sports and media. The respected TV host and the retired PBA player tied the knot on December 4, 2014.

     

    Intal, once known as the league’s “Mr. Intensity,” transitioned smoothly into life after basketball, while Gonzalez remained a mainstay in broadcasting and advocacy work. Together, they’ve become an example of stability—balancing public careers with family life while largely staying away from the celebrity rumor mill.

     

    EJ Laure & Bugoy Cariño

    Volleyball star EJ Laure and actor Bugoy Cariño represent a younger generation of athlete-celebrity couples navigating life in the public eye. The Nxled Chameleons veteran and the former child actor have been together for years and share a daughter, Scarlet.

     

    Laure, a former UAAP standout, has spoken openly about how motherhood reshaped her perspective both on and off the court. Cariño, now taking on more mature acting roles, has likewise embraced family life, with the couple often praised for their openness and authenticity.

     

    Jimmy Alapag & LJ Moreno

     

    A staple of Philippine basketball history, Jimmy Alapag’s partnership with actress LJ Moreno predates much of today’s social-media-driven celebrity culture. Married for over a decade, the former PBA MVP and Gilas captain and the former actress have built a life largely centered on family, faith, and transitions beyond basketball.

     

    As Alapag moved into coaching and management roles, Moreno stepped away from showbiz, choosing a quieter life abroad with their children—proof that not all athlete-celebrity stories need constant spotlight to endure.

     

    More Than Just Power Couples

     

    What ties these relationships together isn’t just fame—it’s visibility, balance, and mutual support. Whether navigating overseas careers, post-retirement life, or the pressures of national attention, these Filipino athletes and their celebrity partners continue to show how personal stability can coexist with professional excellence.

     

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  • Ray Parks helps Osaka extend win streak after drubbing Koshigaya

    Ray Parks helps Osaka extend win streak after drubbing Koshigaya

    Ray Parks and the Osaka Evessa continued their strong run in the Japan B.League, extending their winning streak to three games by sweeping the Koshigaya Alphas in weekend action at the Ookini Arena Maishima. 

     

    The Filipino import played a key role in the victory as Osaka built momentum heading into the midseason All-Star break.

     

    Osaka’s triumph was marked by a convincing 76-58 win over the Alphas, in a game where Parks delivered an efficient scoring performance.

     

    He finished with 14 points, hitting four triples on six attempts, and also contributed four rebounds and four assists in around 25 minutes of play. His sharpshooting helped set the tone early, giving the Evessa control on both ends of the court throughout the contest.

     

    The victory marked Osaka’s third consecutive win, improving the Evessa’s record to 13-17 in the B.League’s competitive standings. 

     

    Meanwhile, the Alphas were handed their fourth straight loss, slipping to 10-20 and facing growing urgency to reverse their fortunes as injuries and roster challenges linger.

     

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    Also gaining momentum in the Japan B.League are AJ Edu and the Gunma Crane Thunders, who have won three of their last four games following a weekend split against the Saga Ballooners at Saga Arena.

     

    Edu delivered a strong two-way performance despite Gunma’s 84–78 loss on Saturday, finishing with 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals as he anchored the team’s interior defense.

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas big man bounced back the following day as Gunma dominated Saga, 81–51, with Edu contributing four points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in limited minutes. The split kept the Crane Thunders inside the top eight of the standings with a 19–11 record heading into the All-Star break.

     

    Meanwhile, Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido saw their four-game winning streak come to an end after splitting their road series against the Kawasaki Brave Thunders at Todoroki Arena.

     

    Hokkaido secured an 83–77 victory on Saturday, with Ramos tallying nine points, six rebounds, and two assists while providing steady perimeter defense. 

     

    However, the Brave Thunders responded on Sunday with a 79–69 win, spoiling Ramos’ nine-point, three-steal, two-rebound, and two-assist outing. The split dropped Levanga to 23–7, though they remain among the league’s top contenders.

     

    Elsewhere, Kiefer Ravena and Francis Lopez endured difficult weekends as their respective teams suffered back-to-back losses before the midseason break.

     

    Ravena and the Yokohama B-Corsairs absorbed a 100–85 defeat to Nagasaki Velca on Saturday at Happiness Arena, where the veteran guard finished with seven points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Yokohama followed that up with a 91–78 loss on Sunday, with Ravena limited to six points, four assists, and one rebound as the B-Corsairs slid to an 11–19 record.

     

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