Ray Parks Jr. was named the Japan B.LEAGUE's 2024–25 Impressive Asia Player of the Year after a career season with the Osaka Evessa.
Ray Parks Jr. added another milestone to his international basketball career as he was named the “Impressive Asia Player of the Year” in the 2024–25 Japan B.LEAGUE season.
Despite the Osaka Evessa missing a wildcard slot to make the B.LEAGUE playoffs, Parks stood out by averaging a career-high 13.6 points, with 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
[ALSO READ: Ray Parks Jr. hits 2,000-point milestone in Japan's B.LEAGUE]
The award marks a well-deserved recognition of the Filipino import’s consistent performance in his fourth B.LEAGUE campaign, his first in Osaka after spending his first three years with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins.
“I just want to thank the B.LEAGUE for this opportunity to play and represent the Philippines internationally,” Parks said during a virtual media interview on Friday night.
The former two-time UAAP MVP also had a message for aspiring Filipino ballers hoping to make their mark abroad.
“To the young generation dreaming of playing abroad in such a big league, it’s not just me. You can do it, too,” he said.
[ALSO READ: Ray Parks Jr. keeps options open after B.LEAGUE season with Osaka: ‘Still up in the air’]
The season’s top individual honor went to D.J. Newbill of Utsunomiya Brex, who became the first back-to-back MVP in B.LEAGUE history.
He was joined in the B1 Regular Season Best Five by teammate Makoto Hiejima, San-en NeoPhoenix’s David Nwaba and Ryusei Sasaki, and Vic Law of the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
Parks joins the growing list of Filipino athletes earning acclaim in global basketball, reinforcing the Philippines’ place in the international hoops scene. In the KBL, Carl Tamayo was part of the Mythical Team this season, while JD Cagulangan was Rookie of the Year.
Other Filipinos to win awards abroad include RJ Abarrientos (KBL Rookie of the Year), Ethan Alvano (KBL MVP), and Thirdy Ravena (B.LEAGUE Impressive Asia Player of the Year).
Meanwhile, Riku Segawa of the Chiba Jets received the “Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2024-25 SEASON Most Impressive Player” award, selected by representatives from B.LEAGUE and media, for his impactful performances both on and off the court.
The "Kokoro Tagiru" award is given to individuals or groups that create exciting moments or results that move the hearts of B.LEAGUE fans.
Two clubs received this award: Levanga Hokkaido, who set a B1 attendance record of 19,462 at their home game on December 28, 2024, at ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, the baseball team Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' home stadium.
[ALSO READ: Dwight Ramos makes special entrance in Levanga’s historic game at Es Con Field Hokkaido]
Kobe Stokes were also recognized for setting a B2 record by drawing 10,062 spectators to their brand-new venue on April 20, 2025.