Kobe Paras needs to improve more, stay focused says dad Benjie

MANILA, Philippines -- In a rare opportunity, father-and-son Benjie and Kobe Paras played against each other in front of a big crowd. 

The older Paras, the only player in the history of the PBA to win the Rookie of the Year and the MVP in the same season, showed up his son with his set jumpers and up-and-under moves inside the paint. But the younger Paras showed why he is being hyped as the future of Philippine basketball as he dunked and shot his way to lead Team Destiny to a 121-109 win over his father's Team Legacy during the Nike Rise Legacy Night last Saturday in the House of Rise. 

"Masaya dahil matagal na kaming hindi nakapaglaro eh. Huling laro namin na magkasama eh nung bago pa siya nagpunta ng US," Benjie told Philstar.com. 

Kobe not only thrilled the fans with jaw-dropping dunks but he also impressed them with his vastly-improved outside shot. 

READ: Kobe Paras better than Benjie says PBA legends Patrimonio, Caidic

His back-to-back triples broke the tight game wide open in the closing minutes as Team Destiny went up extended their one-point lead to 109-102. 

"Everytime na nakikita ko siya eh nag-i-improve siya. Masipag naman siyang bata at pangalawa, salamat sa mga camps at tournaments na napupuntahan niya sa US dahil nade-develop siya ng todo," Benjie said. 

Kobe is coming off impressive summer camps in the US where he averaged in double figures against the top high school prospects in America. He even led his team in scoring while representing Asia in the Adidas Global Nations camp before he flew in for short vacation. 

The UCLA-commit Kobe was thrilled himself to finally play in front of his countrymen and at the same time shared the court with his father and the other PBA legends. 

WATCH: Kobe Paras dunks over Nico Salva, Jeron Teng

"It's crazy. This is not just for us but also for the fans.  Going up against the legends, the people I look up to, especially my dad is amazing," Kobe said. 

Kobe will fly back to the US this week to play his senior year at the Los Angeles Cathedral Phantoms before he suits up for the UCLA Bruins in next year's US NCAA season.  Benjie is a proud dad as his son is blossoming to become a better version of him. He just reminded his son to stay focus and continue working on his game. 

"Actually, 'yun naman talaga ang hinihintay ng lahat eh. He just needs to improve more and maintain his status," Benjie said.