Ray Parks Jr. and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins gained their third straight victory over the weekend after back-to-back victories against the Toyama Grouses in Division I of the Japan B. League.
Parks, who had an impressive showing stat line of 17 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and two assists in the latest outing, extended gratitude to his teammates in Nagoya who helped him in having a smooth transition with the team and the league.
"I feel great. It's definitely a stepping stone," said Parks. "We continue to build as a team, continue to build our trust, continue to build our chemistry.
"It's a lot of great competition here in Japan and my teammates are great guys on and off the floor and they just make it easier to go into practice each day and get better and work hard," added Parks, who also had had 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal during Nagoya's first meeting with the winless Toyama where compatriot Dwight Ramos made his debut appearance.
Competing against a fellow Filipino in the court also lit a fire on Parks' competitiveness and has nothing but good words for his junior.
Ramos, for his part, has yet to make a breakout game of his own.
The Gilas Pilipinas stalwart was limited to six and nine points only despite suiting up for plenty of minutes for the Grouses.
READ: Parks, Nagoya spoil Ramos' debut in Toyama
"It's brotherly competition. I have love for him (Ramos). He's up-and-coming for sure. Great player," Parks told of Ramos. "I'm just glad that we Filipinos have the opportunity to play basketball in such a great country here. So we just want represent the country in the best way we could and represent you guys (Japan teams) in the best way we could."
Parks and the Dolphins will next face the Kiefer Ravena-led Shiga Lakestars, who got a share of the lead with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the West District with twin records of 5-1 while Ramos and the Grousers (0-6) will battle the Ryukyu Golden Kings (4-2) this coming weekend.