Mark Parks, brother of former two-time UAAP MVP Ray Parks Jr., is raring to make a name for himself with the NU Bulldogs.
It is always difficult to operate under the shadow of anyone in life, but more especially so if that shadow is the one of former two-time UAAP MVP Ray Parks Jr.
But Mark Parks is raring to burst out of his shell and write his own path, away from the legacy of his older brother and by extension, his father and PBA great Bobby Parks — arguably one of the best imports to ever play in the Philippines.
During NU’s gutsy win over Adamson on Saturday that sealed their place in the UAAP Season 88 Final Four, Parks played the role of late-game hero.
With the Bulldogs facing defeat, Parks converted on an and-one opportunity that gave them the lead permanently, 66-65, with 10.9 ticks left in regulation.
That play ended up being the game-winner, allowing the Bulldogs to be the first team in the semifinals with a 9-2 record.
[RELATED: UAAP: NU clinches Final Four spot with gutsy win over Adamson]
“Just like coach said, we still have a lot of work to do. We stepped up when we needed to, but it's still not enough,” said Parks, who finished with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting along with three rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
“Our goal is to make it to the Finals, and that's what we're trying to reach for. Coach explained to us that it's a championship team that we need to beat. We still have a lot of work to do, but I'm thankful for my teammates that stepped up.”
‘I’m a different person’
As the Bulldogs chase their first championship since Season 77 in 2014, Parks knows that he has his own chance to lead the life that is meant for him — one that will distinguish his own legacy in NU from his brother’s, who was the star Bulldog during his time.
Getting into the NU roster with his own talent, the younger Parks is a firm believer in what he can do, along with the rest of his teammates.
But it also helps that his brother, who is currently playing professional basketball in Japan, continues to talk to him throughout the process and is pivotal in guiding him through tough times.
“We talk all the time and he knows that I'm a different person and he's a different person as well. I'm just trying to create my own legacy. He has his,” Parks said.
“Whatever we talk, he just told me to be myself and be the best I can be. I just try to step up to that challenge whatever coaches or the players give me. I'll just do that,” he continued.
While NU's initial goal of making the Final Four is complete, the road will only become more difficult for Parks and the rest of the Bulldogs as they vie for the challenge of becoming UAAP champions.
Up next on their calendar will be a win-hungry FEU side which is fighting for its own Final Four life.
They face off against FEU on Wednesday, November 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in a matchup that will surely test Parks’ resolve and NU’s position as pole sitters in the standings.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.