Ray Parks Jr. opens door to ‘next chapter’ after Osaka exit

Ray Parks Jr. during the Japan B.League Finals Week festivities in Manila. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Fresh off his season-ending stint with Osaka Evessa in the Japan B.League, Ray Parks Jr. is back in the Philippines for the offseason and some much-needed family time.

During the B.League Final Week at SM Megamall on Thursday, Parks Jr. said he decided to move on from Osaka in search of a new challenge.

“For me, it was time to move on to the next chapter, whatever that may be,” he told reporters.

“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.”

In his final season with Evessa, Parks helped Osaka finish the regular season with a 23-27 card. He signed with the squad in 2024.

Filipino import Ray Parks in action for Osaka Evessa in the Japan B.League. –BLEAGUE PHOTO

Before his stint with Evessa, he played for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins.

Now comes the hard part of weighing his options. Before Parks does that, though, he wants to first spend time with his wife, Zeinab Harake, and their children.

“Yes, we do have offers both internationally and locally,” he said. “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.”

With him confirming there are offers in the Philippines, the question of a potential return to the PBA naturally came up again.

Is a return to TNT Tropang 5G in consideration? Maybe, maybe not, but the National University product made clear he is not closing his doors to any option.

“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.”