Ray Parks Bids Osaka Goodbye—What’s Next for the Star Guard?
Ray Parks Jr. may be on the move once again.
In a heartfelt social media post, Parks thanked Osaka Evessa, the team he represented for the past season in Japan’s B.League. The post sparked immediate speculation about his future, with many fans interpreting it as a farewell message rather than a routine end-of-season thank you. If that’s the case, it appears that Parks will not be returning to Osaka for another year.
“Thank you Osaka,” Parks wrote, alongside a collection of photos from the season—his message concise but emotional, signaling a potential new chapter ahead.
Dominant in Japan, Still Dangerous Anywhere
Parks quietly had an outstanding run with Osaka Evessa, averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and shooting a solid 32% from three-point range—all while playing in a league that features two foreign imports per team, limiting opportunities for local talents. That kind of production in a highly competitive environment only raises his value if he chooses to return home.
If he were to come back to the Philippines, there’s little doubt he’d immediately become a star again in the PBA. His size, strength, and playmaking skills make him a mismatch nightmare in a league where locals dominate most positions.
Is the PBA His Top Option?
That’s the million-peso question. Parks is currently in a high-profile relationship with vlogger Zeinab Harake, who has two children. This could influence his career choices—perhaps opting for a more stable and familiar setting in the Philippines rather than continuing to chase overseas stints.
While Japan has offered him structure, compensation, and international exposure, the pull of family life may tip the scales toward a PBA return. And for a 31-year-old Parks, it may also be the perfect time to reclaim his legacy in the PBA, possibly leading a franchise instead of playing a supporting role abroad.
The TNT Question
The plot thickens when you remember this: TNT still holds Ray Parks’ PBA rights.
That means a return to the PBA would require a reconciliation or a trade. Parks left TNT in 2021 under controversial circumstances, sitting out a season due to what he claimed were “personal matters,” which some within the team reportedly took issue with. It remains unclear whether those bridges have been mended, or if TNT is even interested in bringing him back given their evolving roster.
Or Will He Push to Join SMC?
There’s another possibility that would surely shake the league: Ray Parks moving to the SMC camp. Rumors of SMC interest in Parks have swirled before, and all three of their teams—Ginebra, San Miguel, and Magnolia—could benefit from a two-way guard of his caliber.
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Ginebra could see him as a wing scorer beside Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo.
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San Miguel might be looking for a more athletic guard/wing to complement their aging core.
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Magnolia, always in need of firepower, would love his slashing and spacing.
If Parks pushes for a trade and TNT agrees to let him go, SMC has the resources to make it happen.
What’s Next?
As of now, Ray Parks has not officially announced his next destination. But the signs point to a major decision coming soon. Whether he returns to TNT, moves to another PBA team, or surprises everyone with another overseas destination, one thing is clear:
Ray Parks still has plenty of basketball left in him—and wherever he lands, he’s going to make an impact.
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