Kobe Paras’ new coach high on prospect’s chance to succeed
CSUN Matadors head coach Reggie Theus (right) and Kobe Paras | CSUN Matadors Photo
MANILA, Philippines — Kobe Paras’ new mentor believes the young Filipino’s ceiling for talent is high.
And that’s going to be beneficial for both CalState University in Northridge and the prospect’s career.
“I think Kobe’s going to push us to the top,” said CSUN Matadors head coach Reggie Theus on Thursday. “I expect big things out of Kobe. As you all, too, right?”
“There’s no pressure to him,” he said. “I just want him to be a great teammate.”
Theus, who just wrapped a training session with Gatorade and NBA at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, is in town to grace the NBA 3X Philippines festivities set this Saturday at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.
A former NBA player and coach, the California native will be guiding Paras in the latter’s pursuit of an NBA dream.
And while the 19-year-old son of PBA legend Benjie is set to sit out the coming NCAA season in observance of a “red shirt” year, Theus stressed that the wait will be essential to the athlete’s grooming.
“He has a whole year to sit out and work on his game, I think it’s gonna pay big dividends for him in the end,” Theus said.
“I just want him to work hard every day and allow the game come to him. I won’t allow him to push or to try to take over, ‘cause he has to allow it to happen,” the tactician noted. “I think that’s the most important for him.”
“Now he’s the youngest player in the FIBA 3x3, right? I want him to be one of the oldest players in our conference. By sitting now, he’s gonna gain another year of experience, another year to understand what he has to do,” Theus continued.
Paras, who played for the Creighton University Bluejays earlier this year, was once recruited by the UCLA Bruins. He is now making the most out of his redshirt year, lending his services and showcasing his wares via the Philippine national team which is currently seeing action in the 39th William Jones Cup in Taipei.
“[Kobe] has a chance to be anything he wants to be,” Theus declared. “[It all] depends on how hard he’s going to work for it.”
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