Even before the first tip-off, Ray Parks Jr. and the defending SEA Games gold medalist Gilas Men faced an unexpected obstacle—one that had nothing to do with basketball.
Even before their first tip-off, Ray Parks Jr. and the Gilas Men faced an unexpected obstacle—one that had nothing to do with basketball.
In an Instagram story, Parks shared that he and his teammates were stranded at the airport after the bus meant to take them to their quarters broke down.
“30 minutes in. Wala, stranded kami. Good start,” Park's jokingly said.
Once on the court, Parks is expected to lead Gilas Pilipinas in its title defense, alongside former Japan B.League stars Matthew Wright and Thirdy Ravena.
The roster also features Jamie Malonzo, Robert Bolick, Abu Tratter, Justin Chua, Von Pessumal, and college standouts Ced Manzano, Allen Liwag, and Veejay Pre.
[ALSO READ: SEA Games: Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks Jr. banner Gilas Men Final 12]
Assembling the team was no easy task for head coach Norman Black, who had to navigate the Thailand organizing committee’s constantly changing eligibility rules.
But the final roster now promises a competitive and diverse squad, all aiming for the Philippines’ 20th SEA Games gold overall in the men’s 5x5 basketball tournament.
[ALSO READ: SBP relieved as Gilas Men finalize SEA Games roster after several eligibility changes]
The Nationals will start its campaign in Group A, facing Vietnam and Malaysia, with their first game against the latter set for Sunday, December 14, at 12:30 p.m.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Team Philippines competes at SEA Games 2025 Thailand]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.