FIBA WC: Parks out, Ravena in for Gilas Pilipinas men pool?

By Kevin Sox

Blackwater Elite rookie Ray Parks will not be part of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national team pool for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China this August.

The development came straight from head coach Yeng Guiao, who said Parks declined the invitation to join Gilas practice on Thursday night, per an online source.

“We invited Ray Parks but he declined. My understanding is he declined to be part of the pool. I asked Yvette Reyes to get in touch with him, so my understanding is may iba siyang priorities,” said Guiao per the online source.

Parks has been a regular member of Gilas Pilipinas, representing the national squad in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and having been part of multiple SEA Games rosters.

It was a stunning update given that Parks has been on a roll ever since making his PBA debut.

Meanwhile, Kiefer Ravena, who will soon be finally cleared for practice following an 18-month FIBA meted suspension due to an illegal drug found in his pre-game drink, is willing to train for Gilas right away.

“By Monday nga, si Kiefer will be ready. I expect him to practice with Gilas in the evening,” said Guiao.

Ravena has been a key part of Gilas’ road to the World Cup, particularly during the first few windows of the qualification process.