Andre Paras just couldn’t resist going back to his second home: the AMA Online Education Titans.
After remaining with Imus Bandera in the MPBL, the second-generation cager returned to the Titans in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, Monday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
This is now Paras’ third straight stint with AMA stint. The 22-year-old bruiser first saw action as a Titan back in the 2017 Foundation Cup, where he built an image as one of the D-League’s tenacious rebounders — he had 22 boards in a game in that tilt.
Sadly, Paras received a rude welcome in his return on Monday, as AMA were trampled by the CEU Scorpions, 85-96. But even with the result, the 6-foot-5 bruiser was impressive as he collected 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Although he knows how tough it is to lose despite having that good of a game, Paras is still glad to come back to the Titans, where his loyalty belongs.
“My loyalty is with AMA. They’re the first semi-pro team that welcomed me with open arms. It’s very nice to see familiar faces again and playing in the league that’s another step to the PBA,” said the amiable cager after the match.
“I’m back here to show my support for the team for the organization and at the same time to see what I’m lacking skill-wise in basketball.”
Unlike his previous stints, Paras has shown assertiveness on the offensive side of the floor in his return. He was taking shots with confidence, so much so that he shot 9-for-17 from the field – 2-of-4 coming from beyond the arc.
For Paras, this is just a part of his desire to help AMA even more – the Titans are now winless in four games after Monday’s loss to CEU.
“I guess last conference I really didn’t do much,” reflected Paras, as the Titans finished the 2018 Aspirants’ Cup dead last in the standings with a dismal 1-10 card. “And in the first time I came here it’s always rebounds.
“Sometimes it makes you think na you can rebound as much as you want, but if it doesn’t get converted to points by your teammates or you don’t get to convert it parang, at the end of the day, you’ll still lose,” he furthered.
“Now when it comes to offense I try to be more active. If some players are off I try my best to contribute.”
