By NIKOLE JAVIER
Ray Parks Jr. became the sixth Filipino player to join the free agency after his contract with the Nagoya Dolphins ended the conclusion of the 2023-24 Japan B. League.
Also in the free agency list are Kai Sotto, Matthew Wright, AJ Edu and the Ravena brothers – Thirdy and Kiefer.
Last week, Gilas big man Sotto capped his brilliant third season in Japan with Yokohama B-Corsairs on a loan from recently crowned champion Hiroshima Dragonflies.
Sotto made significant strides in his club career with Yokohama, even posting a career-high 28 points and a handful of double-double outings midway through the season to make his minutes matter in the transfer.
Meanwhile, Wright, who became the fastest Filipino to hit 1000 points in Japan B. League which he achieved just last January, has opted for free agency but remained in discussion with Kyoto Hannaryz.
Following a six-year stint in the PBA, Wright signed a two-year deal with Kyoto.
Among his fellow Filipino quota players, the 33-year-old Wright holds the single-game record of 37 points in his meaningful move to the Japanese league.
On the other hand, young big Edu’s pro debut with the Toyama Grouses only lasted 14 games after sustaining a torn meniscus in late 2023.
Edu then answered to national duty as part of Tim Cone’s Gilas 12, though he had to sit out the squad’s earlier campaigns to focus on getting back into his sharp form.
Kiefer became a free agent shortly after helping Shiga Lakes win the B2 title.
For now, Kiefer has committed to suiting up for Strong Group Athletics in the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan.
