Bobby Parks death

Bobby Ray Parks Sr. 51, the legendary PBA import and father of reigning UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr., passed away early Saturday afternoon following complications stemming from a long battle with laryngeal cancer.

The 51-year-old died with his family by his side at the San Juan de Dios Hospital.

Parks was selected in the third round of the 1984 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks but he never got to play in that league. Instead, he later found success as an import in the PBA where he won a record seven Best Import awards and was later inducted into the local professional league's Hall of Fame for his accomplishments, last September 2009.

The 6'5" product of Memphis State University debuted in the PBA for the San Miguel Beermen in 1987, and also played for the Shell Turbo Chargers.

Together with his family, Parks moved back to the Philippines in 2010. He accepted an offer to be the assistant athletic director of a retooled National University squad as his son also signed up to be the anchor of the school's basketball team.

Parks also had a stint as an assistant coach of the Petron Blaze Boosters, and coached the San Miguel Beermen in the Asean Basketball League, piloting them to the Finals in the squad's maiden season. However, he was unable to continue the latter role, handing the reigns over to Leo Austria, as his health deteriorated.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. on Saturday tweeted his condolences over the death of legendary Philippine basketball player and coach Bobby Ray Parks Sr.

In a post on his Twitter account, Thomas lauded Parks as one of the greatest players of the Philippine Basketball Association - and a good person.

"Rest in Peace Bobby Parks Sr, one of the greatest PBA players ever, and a good person," he said.

Thomas also posted a photo of Parks wearing a uniform of the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association, where he played guard in 1989-1990.