Filipino import Ray Parks Jr. provided the spark off the bench as the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins opened their campaign in the Japan B. League 2022-‘23 Season with a rousing 101-86 win over Mikawa Seahorses at the Dolphins Arena.
Parks nailed four triples – three of which came during the Dolphins’ first half breakaway to finish with 14 points, four assists, one rebound and a steal, a fitting start to his second season in the overseas league since leaving the PBA last year.
Parks, who was the lone Filipino who experienced the playoffs last season, conspired with Coty Clarke and Maurice Ndour in the first 24 minutes of the contest that saw them build a commanding 50-33 advantage which it never relinquished until the final buzzer.
Clarke led Nagoya with an all-around effort of 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while Ndour added 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks as the lead even ballooned to as many as 21 points late in the final frame.
Anthony Lawrence II paced Mikawa with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Parks and the Dolphins battle the Seahorses again on the road on Saturday, Oct. 1 while other Filipino imports are also set for their respective debuts.
Dwight Ramos will see action in his new threads when Hokkaido takes on Akita at 1:30 p.m. while Kiefer Ravena also makes his season debut with Shiga when it squares off against Gunma at 2:05 p.m.
Former PBA star Matthew Wright will also get his first taste of the B. League action when his Kyoto Hannaryz lock horns with the Sendai 89ers at 3:05 p.m .which will come after Thirdy Ravena makes his third season with San-En when the Neophoenix battle Kawasaki Brave Thunders at 2:05 p.m.