Former NU Bulldogs stalwarts Bobby Ray Parks and Troy Rosario were named part of the Gilas Pilipinas final 12-man roster that will compete in next week’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be held here in Manila.

Parks and Rosario surprisingly made the cut after joing the Gilas training pool for only several months.
This will be their first foray into high-level international basketball and this will be the first time they will represent the Philippines as part of the men’s national basketball team.

According to former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, Rosario’s height advantage is a big factor in his selection to the national team.
The 6-foot-7 sweet-shooting swingman is a perfect fit in the small forward position. Rosario can also shoot beyond the arc and inside the paint making him a valuable addition to the team.
Rosario was part of NU Bulldogs’ historic UAAP Season 77 Men’s Basketball championship title.

Meanwhile, the 23-year old Parks who had a stint with NBA D-League team Texas Legends, is also included in the Gilas final 12.
Parks, a two-time UAAP MVP from National University, who can play in 1, 2 and 3 spot, is believed to be a huge boost to the team after gaining great exposure in the basketball stage in US.
According to Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin, he wanted Parks to be part of Gilas because he can see the future in  him in the Gilas squad.
Last May, Parks attended his first practice with the Gilas team where he was welcomed with open arms.
Parks was also impressive in the Gilas Pilipinas-Iran tune up game last June 8 where he finished with 11 points off the bench, surprising the crowd with his improved ball-handling, playmaking and shooting skills.

Gilas Pilipinas will compete against highly-favored France and New Zealand in the first round of the Manila Olympic Qualifying Tournament scheduled on July 5 & 6.

The Manila OQT will be held in the Mall of Asia Arena from July 5 to 10.