After a tumultuous start to his college career, Kobe Paras has wasted no time reintroducing himself to Philippine basketball.
Playing in his fourth college, Paras has not shied away from the bright lights of the UAAP. And in his first campaign, he has been delivering stellar performances for the Fighting Maroons in Season 82.
The athletic 6-foot-6 forward first had a rousing debut against Adamson. He then followed it up with back-to-back striking outings this past week against National U and UE.
Displaying his versatility as well as on-court leadership, he has helped the Fighting Maroons notch three straight victories. With two games left in the first round, UP now sit at solo second in the standings.
Paras lit up the scoreboard for 25 points on 10-for-22 shooting against the Bulldogs. Then as an encore, he showcased his inside game versus the Red Warriors with a 12-point, 10-rebound, three-block outing.
As UP continue to climb the standings with a 4-1 record, the 22-year-old has also claimed a place as one of the top players in the league.
And as his recent exploits are proof that Paras’ potential is no fool’s gold, he has rightfully earned the Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week award presented by media from print and online covering the beat.
“I’m grateful that I’m here in this amazing tournament, but I just want to focus on the team,” said Paras, remaining modest even after his star-making turn.
Currently, the Fighting Maroons boast a daunting lineup filled with immense talent. Still, the second-generation star is also quick to point out that team comes first above all.
“Basketball is a team game,” emphasized Paras. “I just can’t wait to get ready for the next game.”
Paras bested Ateneo’s Ange Kouame, UST’s Sherwin Concepcion, and the La Salle 1-2 punch of Andrei Caracut and Justine Baltazar for the weekly recognition.
