Kobe Paras returning to US with lots of experience in the bag

MANILA, Philippines — When Kobe Paras first arrived in the Philippines after his college stint in the United States, he made it clear that he wanted to play for flag and country.

And he got his wish. First, for the 3x3 crew in France and then in the Jones Cup in Taiwan. He capped it off with a stellar performance in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.

“Dati ko pang sinasabi na gusto kong maglaro talaga sa mga 5-on-5,” he recalled during Chooks-to-Go’s homecoming of the team. “So binigyan ako ng chance and I made the most out of it. I hope I made the Filipinos proud.”

On the horizon for Paras is a second crack at the US NCAA Division I hoops with Cal State Northridge Matadors.

“When I go to the States, it’s strictly business. It’s not like here na lalaban ako para sa bayan. Doon, lalaban ako para sa sarili ko and the future,” he noted.

But clearly, Paras is headed for California a changed man.

“I’m just blessed to mature in such a young age,” the 19-year-old cager said. “There are not that much 19-year-olds who go through what I go through.”

And of course, a badge of honor from replicating what his father has done 30 years ago — snare a gold in the biennial meet.

“Noong nanalo kami sa Indonesia, my dad called me right away. Nagbiro siya na [expletive], may medal na tayong gold!’ the young cager recalled.

“It just feels good na nagawa ko yung nagawa niya [sa] age ko noon,” he noted.

Paras will be heading back to the States tonight with a bag full of happy memories and hooping experience.