Bates hopes to follow path of Black, Parks

Billy Ray Bates hopes to follow the same path taken by Norman Black and Bobby Parks, his contemporaries in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the 1980s. The former PBA import, who personally attended his PBA Hall of Fame induction, will begin his coaching career in the Philippines as skills coach of the Philippine Patriots. Bates, the former import known for his explosive moves and dunking ability, will be on the Patriots' bench when the inaugural ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) champions try to regain the title after being swept by the Thailand Slammes, 2-0, last year. Black had been a multi-titled coach in the PBA and owner of a Grand Slam while coaching San Miguel in 1989. Recently, he steered Ateneo to its fourth straight UAAP men's basketball crown. Parks, meanwhile, has been a consultant with the Petron Blaze Boosters in the PBA and will call the shots for the San Miguel Beermen when they make their ABL debut in January. Patriots' team manager Eric Arejola said Bates, 55, is excited to start training camp. The Patriots are currently undergoing a major revamp where they will built their team around Far Eastern University big man and former Smart Gilas-Pilipinas member Aldrech Ramos and veteran point guard Al Vergara. Patriots' co-owner Mikee Romero said Bates’ presence will be a source of inspiration to their younger players. — JVP, GMA News