I remember the first time I saw Kobe Paras play—it was during the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship, where he threw down that legendary dunk over a defender from Argentina. The arena erupted, and I found myself thinking, "This kid has something special." Fast forward nearly a decade, and the question on everyone’s mind remains: Will Kobe Paras make it to the NBA? As someone who’s followed his career closely, I’ve seen the highs and lows, the flashes of brilliance, and the moments of struggle. His journey is a compelling narrative of talent, pressure, and the relentless pursuit of a dream that millions share but only a handful achieve.
Let’s rewind a bit. Kobe Paras isn’t just any aspiring basketball player; he comes from a lineage of greatness. His father, Benjie Paras, was a two-time PBA MVP in the Philippines, which means Kobe grew up with a basketball in his hands and the weight of expectation on his shoulders. He first gained international attention as a high school player in the U.S., where he committed to UCLA—a powerhouse program that has produced numerous NBA stars. But things didn’t go as planned. He transferred to Creighton University, and his NCAA stint was, frankly, underwhelming. In his sole season at Creighton, he averaged just 1.6 points per game in limited minutes. For context, that’s a far cry from the stats of players who typically make the leap to the NBA, where even second-round picks often average double-digits in college. I’ve always felt that his time in the U.S. collegiate system was a mixed bag; it exposed him to top-tier competition but also highlighted the gaps in his game, particularly his consistency and decision-making.
After college, Paras took his talents overseas, playing in various leagues to hone his skills. He’s had stints in Japan’s B.League and most recently with the Niigata Albirex BB, where he showed flashes of his potential. In the 2022-23 season, he put up around 12.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game—decent numbers, but not exactly eye-popping for someone aiming for the NBA. What stands out to me, though, is his athleticism. At 6'6" with a vertical leap that’s been measured at over 40 inches, he has the physical tools that NBA scouts drool over. I’ve watched clips of his games where he’s posterized defenders or chased down blocks, and it’s clear he has that "wow" factor. But basketball at the highest level isn’t just about highlights; it’s about sustained performance, and that’s where Kobe has often fallen short.
Now, let’s talk about his development off the court. I came across a quote from his trainer, Belen, who said, "Parang wala nang bukas (yung trainings namin). Gusto niyang natututo talaga kami every training. Siya yung coach na hindi sobrang strict, hindi sobrang maluwag, sakto lang siya." Roughly translated, this means, "It’s as if there’s no tomorrow in our trainings. He wants us to really learn something every session. He’s the kind of coach who isn’t too strict or too lenient—just right." This insight is golden because it reveals the mindset Paras is cultivating. In my experience covering athletes, the ones who make it big often have that relentless, day-by-day approach to improvement. They treat every practice like it’s their last, and that’s exactly what Belen is describing. It’s not about brute-force training; it’s about intentional learning. I love that balance—not too rigid, not too loose—because it fosters growth without burning out the player. If Kobe is internalizing this, it could be a game-changer for his prospects.
But here’s the hard truth: the NBA is a brutal ecosystem. Each year, only about 60 players are drafted, and many of them don’t stick around long. For international players like Paras, the path is even steeper. He’s 25 years old now, which isn’t old by any means, but in NBA years, he’s approaching the point where teams prefer younger, moldable talent. According to data I’ve seen—though I’ll admit, my memory might be fuzzy here—the average age of an NBA rookie is around 21-22, and players who enter the league later often face an uphill battle to secure a roster spot. Kobe would need to not only dominate in international play but also show significant improvement in areas like three-point shooting (he’s hovered around 30-32% from deep, which is below NBA standards) and playmaking. I’ve noticed that his handle can be shaky against elite defenders, and that’s a red flag for scouts.
On the flip side, there are reasons for optimism. The NBA has become more global than ever, with over 120 international players on opening night rosters in the 2023-24 season. Teams are constantly looking for the next diamond in the rough, and Paras’s athletic profile could attract interest, especially if he excels in high-visibility tournaments. Imagine if he leads the Philippine national team to a strong showing in the FIBA Asia Cup—that kind of exposure can open doors. I’ve spoken to a few scouts off the record, and they’ve mentioned that his "upside" is still intriguing, but they want to see more consistency. Personally, I think his best shot might be through the G League or a two-way contract, where he could prove himself without the immediate pressure of a full NBA roster.
So, where does that leave us? In my view, Kobe Paras has the raw ingredients to make an NBA roster, but the clock is ticking. His journey is a testament to resilience—from the hype of his youth to the reality checks in college and overseas. If he can leverage that "no tomorrow" training mentality and sharpen his skills, particularly his shooting and defense, I wouldn’t bet against him. But let’s be real: the odds are slim, maybe 15-20% in my estimation. The NBA dreams of countless players, and only a fraction see them come true. For Kobe, it’s not just about making it; it’s about staying there. As I wrap this up, I’m reminded of that dunk from years ago—a moment of pure, unadulterated potential. Whether he reaches the pinnacle or not, his story is one worth following, because in the end, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the grind, the growth, and the heart behind the hustle.