Tunisia World Cup
I remember the first time I watched Kobe Paras play during the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup – this lanky teenager soaring for dunks with the kind of athleticism you rarely see in Asian basketball. Fast forward to today, and the question hanging over every Filipino basketball fan’s mind is whether this promising talent will finally break into the NBA. Having followed international basketball pathways for over a decade, I’ve seen numerous players with similar dreams, but Paras’ journey feels particularly compelling because of its dramatic highs and challenging lows.
Let’s start with the raw numbers because they matter in these discussions. During his freshman year at Creighton University, Paras averaged just 1.6 points in 5.9 minutes per game across 10 appearances – hardly the stats that get NBA scouts excited. His subsequent transfer to Cal State Northridge showed flashes of improvement, with a college career-high of 15 points against Portland State, but he never quite established the consistent dominance needed for NBA consideration. These numbers tell only part of the story though. What makes Paras fascinating isn’t just his stat line but his international experience, particularly his stint with the Philippine national team where he dropped 22 points against China in the 2018 Asian Games – performances that demonstrated his capability against professional competition.
The training philosophy Paras experienced growing up might hold clues to his development trajectory. His father, Philippine basketball legend Benjie Paras, once described his coaching approach in an interview that stuck with me: "Parang wala nang bukas (It's like there's no tomorrow in our trainings). I wanted them to really learn something every training session. I'm the type of coach who isn't too strict, isn't too lenient – just right." This balanced approach seems to have shaped Paras' fundamental skills, but I wonder if the international game demands something more specialized now. The NBA's evolution into a positionless basketball paradigm means players need either elite specialization or remarkable versatility – and I'm not yet convinced Paras has developed either to NBA standards.
Looking at his professional journey reveals both promising signs and concerning patterns. His time in the US NCAA system didn't pan out as many hoped, but his performances in Japan's B.League with Niigata Albirex BB showed significant growth – he averaged 12.7 points and 3.9 rebounds during the 2021-2022 season. Those are decent numbers, but when you compare them to what NBA-bound international players typically produce, there's still a noticeable gap. What troubles me slightly is his movement between teams – from Creighton to CSUN to various professional clubs. This pattern suggests either difficulty adapting to systems or perhaps unrealized potential that coaches struggle to harness effectively.
The physical tools are undoubtedly there – his vertical leap measured at 43 inches during college testing sessions puts him in elite company athletically. I've watched countless players with less physical talent make it through sheer skill development and basketball IQ, which makes me question whether Paras has focused enough on refining the subtler aspects of his game. His three-point shooting has been inconsistent at best – hovering around 28-32% in most leagues – and for a 6'6" wing in today's NBA, that's simply not enough to warrant serious consideration.
Having analyzed numerous international players' paths to the NBA, I believe Paras faces three critical challenges: consistency in perimeter shooting, defensive adaptability against quicker NBA-level wings, and demonstrating he can thrive within structured systems rather than relying solely on athleticism. His recent stint in Korea's KBL showed some improvement in these areas, but the sample size remains too small to draw definitive conclusions. What encourages me is his apparent work ethic – multiple coaches have commented on his dedication to training, which aligns with that "no tomorrow" philosophy instilled by his father.
The reality is that the NBA has become increasingly accessible to international players, with approximately 108 international players from 40 countries on 2023-2024 opening night rosters. This represents about 24% of the league – a record high that should theoretically improve Paras' chances. However, the competition has never been fiercer, with European leagues producing increasingly NBA-ready talent and the G-League pathway becoming more structured. Personally, I think Paras' best shot might be through the G-League Ignite or a two-way contract that allows him to develop while getting occasional NBA minutes, rather than expecting an immediate roster spot.
Reflecting on similar journeys, I recall players like Jordan Clarkson who leveraged international heritage (Filipino in his case) alongside NBA opportunities, but Clarkson had a more proven NCAA record. The truth is, making the NBA requires both talent and timing – being in the right system at the right moment. For Paras, that moment might require another year or two of dominating Asian leagues or finding the perfect G-League situation. My somewhat controversial opinion is that his window is narrower than many fans want to admit – probably 2-3 years maximum given the constant influx of younger talent.
Ultimately, while I'd love to see Paras make history as the first Filipino-developed player to secure a substantial NBA role, the evidence suggests it's still an uphill battle. His athletic gifts are undeniable, but the modern NBA demands more than just highlight-reel dunks. What encourages me is that basketball development isn't linear – sometimes players figure things out later than expected. If Paras can develop a reliable three-point shot (I'm talking 36% or better on decent volume) and demonstrate lockdown defensive potential, the dream might still be alive. For now though, I'd rate his chances at around 25% – possible but requiring significant development in specific areas. The coming season will be crucial in determining whether we're discussing a future NBA player or someone who'll have a fantastic career elsewhere in the world.
