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Kobe Paras: One step (or dunk) at a time By Ronnie Nathanielsz PhilBoxing.com Sun, 14 Jun 2015  SHOWING amazing poise and sound decision-making, 17-year-old FIBA Under-18 world Slam Dunk king Kobe Paras is making it clear that although touted as an NBA material, he isn?t thinking about the possibility of playing in the biggest basketball league in the world at this point in his career. ?I don?t focus on it,? said Paras at a luncheon gathering with the sports media, hosted by the Viva management, which handles his promotional career, referring to a possible stint in the NBA. ?I just want to keep practicing and focusing on my high school,? said Paras, pointing out that at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, ?It?s not just about basketball, it?s also about studies so I want to get my grades right.? Paras said he is a student-athlete as well. ?I am focusing on getting ready for my college career,? said Paras, who enters UCLA one year from now. His proud father, former Philippine Basketball Association superstar Benjie Paras, who was the only player to win the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same year (1989) and the MVP title 10 years later, attended the press luncheon, along with Kobe?s elder brother and Viva showbiz star Andre. ?Kobe needs to take it one step at a time and develop his skills in preparation for college,? said Benjie Paras, who also offered this advice to his son: ?When you get to college, that?s the time you should focus on your next step.? The Paras patriarch also revealed that despite the public speculation over the fact that Kobe?s namesake, LA Lakers Kobe Bryant went straight to the NBA from high school, they ?don?t even talk about it. We just count the blessings he (Kobe) has received.? Kobe revealed that he?s been influenced by his dad, who ?has been through more than what I have. He guides me and tells me to stay confident, but make sure to focus on where I came from. Make the most of it, represent my country, my family and everybody who supports me.? In an insight into his respect for authority, Kobe Paras indicated he wasn?t upset by the score he received in the second round of the slam-dunk finals, which drew protests from the fans among whom he was a clear favorite. He told The Standard/Viva Sports: ?It?s the judges? decision, which you must respect. If you don?t get something in life, you move on. Our main goal is to make my country, family and my teammates and all who support me, happy.? Photo: Slam-dunk champ Kobe Paras (right) soars for a slam during the FIBA Under-18 World Championship against an Uruguay defender. FIBA.COM. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.  |
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