Kobe Paras caps brilliant offseason with stellar showing at 2014 adidas Super64 tourney
Before he returned home to the Philippines last August 1, Kobe Paras had one last hurrah, to place the finishing touches on what has become a memorable summer season for the rising Filipino swingman.
Coming off remarkable campaigns in offseason leagues such as the DeMar DeRozan Tournament and the Pangos Stars of the Future, Paras further solidified his reputation as one of the HS players to watch out for in the class of 2016 with an impressive stint in the 2014 adidas Super64 tournament, which was held last July 23-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Playing for Team Bayless, which was mentored by NBA veteran guard Jerryd Bayless of the Milwaukee Bucks, Paras shined under the bright lights of Sin City, and even dropped a 29-point bomb in a 101-94 win versus Garner Road in Day 4, helping his team claim a Final Four finish in the annual summer showcase.
Paras’ athleticism and perimeter game has caught the attention of scouts and recruiters, who gushed at the 6’6” wing’s quickness and diverse skill set.
Among those who praised the Cathedral High cager were Hardwood Insiders’ Paul Johnson and basketball recruiting website NY2LASports.com’s contributing editor Trevor Andershock.
Johnson wrote of Paras during the first day of the meet:
Kobe Paras and Marcus Shaver from Team Bayless were two more of the numerous talented players on the floor. Paras is a big guard at 6’6” and used his size to finish over and through defenders. He also hit a number of pull up jumpers.
Andershock also handed in his impressions of Kobe Paras:
Paras matched [Juan] Munoz [a top point guard prospect who is also in the class of 2016] during most of the Team Bayless/Garner Road game. Paras finished with 29 points. Paras scored in a variety of ways. He mixed in driving baskets with three-pointers along with trips to the free-throw line. Paras has good size along with solid quickness and then combines a diverse skill set to his physical tools. He is a good prospect with athleticism and skill who will be a force in the future.”
With these noteworthy performances tucked under his belt, Paras is expected to carry his on-court experience during the summer to bolster not only Cathedral High’s campaign this HS basketball season, but also that of the Batang Gilas Pilipinas Under-18 squad.
Paras is currently in town to train with the rest of the national team that is set to participate in the 2014 FIBA Asia U18 Championship in Doha, Qatar later this month. The team is looking to finish within the top three to be able to book a ticket to the FIBA Under-19 World Championship, which will be held in Greece next year.
Photos c/o NY2LA Sports and Compton Magic website
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