Kobe Paras. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes thinks Kobe Paras is the future of the national team.
“Kobe, I think, is going to be the forerunner of that youth brigade,” said Reyes, explaining why he decided to include the second-generation star to the Philippine team set to see action in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.
Though Paras is the youngest of the bunch, Reyes believes his skill set fits the squad perfectly, giving Gilas an agile forward who can play in both the inside and outside.
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But more than anything, Reyes wants Paras to get used to playing at a high level.
“We do not have a position-oriented system. We have several bigs and everybody else is a guard or a forward. Everyone can make plays and that’s why we feel Kobe’s skill set is perfect for him,” he said. “But the one thing we want from Kobe is his age. We wanted him to get used to the way the men are playing, to get exposed to the elite basketball.
“We want a 19-year-old at the very least to be in the SEA Games. In the Jones Cup, he’s gonna face the killers in his spot, the tough Asian big men and wingmen, and that’s gonna be part of the education of Kobe.”
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Paras, meanwhile, is confident he can hang among the region’s best talents as he banks on the learnings he got from his time in the United States.
“It’s not my first international experience. This level is harder than I’ve ever been, but I’ve been in the States for a long time and the international game is almost the same as to those in the States because everyone is big and fast. At least now, I’ll have an opportunity to prove myself and represent the country,” he said.
Paras also vowed to do everything he can to pay off the trust Reyes has given him.
“Whatever I can do for the country, I will do it. I’m playing for Gilas now. It’s a different feeling when you’re representing the country. It’s a once in a lifetime thing, so I’m happy to be a part of the roster,” he said.