Before Kobe There Was Benjie Paras, Can the Son Outdo the Father?
Kobe and Benjie Paras' basketball journies.
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| Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon |
Kobe Paras is currently one of the highly touted young basketball players today. He gets a lot more attention than practically everyone else in the roster. Let's admit it, the guy has potential and he is the father of a Filipino basketball legend. He dunks and he is good looking. What more can you ask for?
Benjie was a dominant player
Decades ago, his father was one of the biggest stars in basketball in the Philippines. He was dominating the Philippine Basketball Association and was the only player who has won rookie of the year and MVP as the same year. Benjie Paras at 6'7 was one of the biggest players during his time, he was the equivalent of JunMar Fajardo.
Benjie Paras' accomplishments in the PBA is what legends are made of, to say the least. Not a lot of players can duplicate his achievements. Given that the competition now is different and the players are now far more athletic, stronger and taller. Benjie was ahead of his time and was able to do things that not a lot of players can do back in the days.
Kobe captivates and promises
Kobe, as of today, is only 19 years old. While the young 6'6 guard still got a long way to go, his accomplishments is already impressive as it can be. Aside from being more good looking than his father (thanks to mom's genes), Kobe Paras has already reached global popularity because of his impressive YouTube dunks (thanks to dad). Put these things together and you have the perfect package for a YouTube star. Too bad Youtube was not a big thing back then.
Kobe has also represented the country and has won multiple gold medals in FIBA under 16 and under 18 3x3 basketball tournaments. Today, Kobe is a member of Gilas Pilipinas and is bound to represent the country once again in the SEABA tournament. Like his father, Kobe Paras has evolved as a player. Unlike his father who played the center position, he plays guard and is developing his outside shooting.
Can Kobe Paras be better than his father?
Only time will tell. At this stage, we can say that it is a possibility given the opportunities that he is getting. However, the level of competition today is higher and if Kobe wants to surpass his father, it would take a lot of practice and dedication so he can put himself in the right situation to achieve great things. We know Kobe will unquestionably have a place in the PBA but it looks like he is paving his way to the NBA. No natural-born Filipino player has ever made it to the NBA yet and if Kobe can be that person he would definitely make a name for himself and the rest is history.
Benjie Paras Achievements
2x PBA MVP (1989, 1999)
PBA Rookie of the Year (1989)
PBA Slam Dunk Team Co-Champion (w/ Elmer Lago) (1995)
PBA Comeback Player of the Year (1999)
5x PBA Mythical First Team (1989–1991, 1995, 1999)
3x PBA Mythical Second Team (1992, 1994, 1996)
PBA All-Star (1989–1992, 1994–1999)
PBA All-Star Most Valuable Player (1994, 1999)
Only PBA Player to win the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year at the same time
Watch some of the highlights of Benjie Paras
Who will be better after it's all said and done
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