Ray Parks Jr. and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas Men turn their sights on Vietnam in the SEA Games 2025 men’s 5x5 basketball after getting the job done in their opener against Malaysia,
Ray Parks admitted that Gilas Pilipinas still need to get the hang of playing alongside each other even after a masterful 83-58 win over Malaysia in the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand Sunday, Dec. 14.
It was obvious that Parks and the rest of the hastily assembled Nationals were still trying to get a feel for the game early on when they trailed 16-22 in the opening period.
But they started to pick up the pace in the second period, especially on the defensive end, en route to the Group A victory.
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“Kailangan talagang mag-gel. Pero ang identity talaga is defense: make stops, stop the penetration, then rebound. ganun,” said Parks after the match.
That’s exactly what the defending champions did, limiting Malaysia to just four points in the second period.
It was all Gilas from there.
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Parks led the team in scoring with 18 points, six rebounds he spiked with two assists, and two steals for the Philippines.
But the former two-time UAAP MVP insisted he isn’t exactly looking to score.
“Whatever the team needs from me to do, I’ll do, be it lockdown defender or make some shots for the team or spread the ball get everybody involved ill do it. Like I said it’s a a great feeling to represent the country,” he said.
Robert Bolick backstopped him with 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while
Thirdy Ravena submitted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Parks and the rest of Gilas still look to get better as they play Vietnam Monday, Dec. 15.
Tip off is at 12:30pm, with Gilas bent on sweeping group play.
(With reports from Carlo Pamintuan/Cignal)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.