Kobe Paras a shoo-in for Philippine 3x3 squad

MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has named Kobe Paras as the first member of the national 3x3 basketball team it is forming with an eye of making it as far as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and possibly snaring a medal there.

SBP executive director Sonny Barrios on Tuesday said they have formed a partnership with Chooks-to-Go headed by Ronald Mascarinas and will hold a national try out to determine the three players that will join Paras in the pool.

“Kobe (Paras) is the first member of the team and we’re searching for his other teammates through a national tryout,” said Barrios.

Barrios said it’s about time that the country forms a separate pool for 3x3 apart from its senior (Gilas), juniors (Batang Gilas) and women’s (Perlas) squads.

“3x3 is the foundation of basketball. FIBA has always made sure to remind our chairman to take the lead in this sport and our chairman to take the lead in this sport,” said Barrios.

Barrios said they are also looking at strengthening the women’s and grassroots teams.

“Our search will not just be limited to the men’s,” said Barrios.

The 6-foot-6 Paras, who finished high school and played some college ball in the United States before returning to the country to suit up for University of the Philippines next year, was the first player picked because of his international 3x3 experience.

He has represented the country in the 2013 and 2015 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championship and 2017 FIBA World Cup and won two slam dunk titles along the way.

“Kobe will be the face of 3x3 basketball in the Philippines,” said Mascarinas.