On just a day’s notice, Kobe Paras did not even hesitate to play in the inaugural UAAP Last One Standing tournament.
It was, after all, for University of the Philippines.
The 20-year-old, who is serving his residency before being eligible to play in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s basketball Tournament, jumped at the chance to don the maroon and white in a grueling, whole-day one-on-one tournament.
“I had probably the most fun I had in basketball in a while.”
The 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadet stormed his way to the finals, winning four consecutive matches. Facing La Salle’s hungry Jordan Bartlett in the finals, the versatile 6-foot-6 swingman succumbed to fatigue and the Green Archer’s pesky defense.
Just minutes before the two faced off, Paras went all-out in a dunk contest, in which he bested professional dunker David Carlos.
Rather than be salty, Paras was reflective of his matchup with another student-athlete serving residency.
“I’m just just glad that, with Jordan, I kind of started the UAAP along with the other contestants. I was here the whole day, but I’m not gonna complain,” said Paras.
“During the whole time, I and Jordan were talking. Every shot he missed, I told him what he should improve. He’s a great player. I actually played with him two years ago – he was a practice player for three-on-three,” the second generation cager added. “I’m just happy for him because there’s a lot of athletes like him that don’t get respect. He came from NU going to La Salle and people are going to talk, always.
“I’m just happy na he’s here to prove people wrong.
“Me naman, I’m happy too because that’s what I used to do before; I used to focus on what people wanted and it never worked out. I’m just happy na he’s doing something na he’s happy with. The kid has talent; you can see it. It’s gonna be cool because me and him aren’t even playing this season. It’s sort of a glimpse into Season 82,” he pointed out.
For now, Paras relishes the oppurunity to help transform the UP basketball program, which last won a UAAP title in 1986 with his father, Benjie, leading the team.
“I always try to have fun. I lost, but I’m not mad. I’m happy. It’s my fault din; dapat nagpakundisyon pa ako. It was last minute, but it’s for UP. I just want UP to be known for something else than they were before.”
