Finally, another Paras is in the PBA.
Andre Paras, son of the league’s only Rookie MVP Benjie Paras, was nabbed by Blackwater to banner the third round selections of the virtual 2021 PBA Draft, Sunday evening at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong.
The 25-year-old was the Bossing’s 27th overall pick, becoming the team’s third drafter after Rey Mark Acuno and Joshua Torralba. Blackwater snagged the latter pair in the second round with the 14th and 15th picks, respectively.
Paras made a name for himself as a hard-nosed rebounder with a soft touch from the perimeter in the amateurs. He played in the PBA D-League and Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas in the 2017 FIBA Asia Challenge Cup.
But it was during his time with AMA in the developmental ranks where he turned heads due to his tenacious rebounding. Paras also played a key role in some of the Titans’ quarterfinal appearances in the past few years.
Military man Dhon Reverente, meanwhile, was the first pick of the said round after going to Terrafirma with the 25th pick. NorthPort used its 26th pick to draft Loren Brill, son of former NCC player Louie.
Jujunn Bonsubre of San Beda was NLEX’s pick at no. 28. Rain or Shine took Javee Mocon’s brother Kenneth. also from San Beda, with the 29th pick.
Magnolia selected former University of the East forward RR De Leon at no. 30. De Leon just signed with NBL pro team Zamboanga Valientes MLV last night.
Alaska took another guard in former San Sebastian star RK Ilagan at no. 31; San Miguel picked Arellano’s Allen Enriquez at 32; while Meralco took Philippine Christian University product John Yasa with the 33rd pick.
Phoenix Super LPG drafted head coach Topex Robinson’s player in Lyceum in Reymar Caduyac with the 34th pick, while TNT brought in Michael Simmons, another former AMA player, at 35th.
Barangay Ginebra passed.
