KOBE Paras knows time is on his side.
And while he is excited to make his mark in the US NCAA as a member of the UCLA Bruins, the high-flying Filipino teenager admits he still has plenty to improve on before he finally takes on the challenge in the toughest collegiate league in the world.
The 6-foot-6, 17-year-old Paras still has one more year in high school and he intends to maximize it to make sure that he’s more than ready for the NCAA.
“As of now, I’m just focused on improving every detail of my game,” Paras said Thursday. “I have to focus on defense, shooting and just being at pace with the game.”
Paras’ father, Benjie, said playing in the US has dramatically improved his son’s game.
“It has toughened him up as a player,” said the elder Paras, the only PBA player to win Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in the same year. “Kobe plays against quicker and tougher players. With so many games there, his endurance has also improved.”
Kobe led the Philippines’ campaign in the Fiba Under-18 3×3 tournament in Hungary. Although the Filipinos failed to reach the next round, Paras retained his slam dunk title.