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Gilas Pilipinas is counting on Kobe Paras to lead the young national team in the FIBA Asian Cup Qualifiers scheduled for November 26-30 in Manama, Bahrain.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, special assistant to President Ryan Gregorio, believes the 23-year-old Paras fits the position because of his age and international experience.
“We count on him in terms of veteran leadership,” Gregorio said of Paras on the recent episode of the 2OT podcast.
“Of course, his record is exemplary as well, having represented the country in many international competitions,” added Gregorio, a former assistant coach for the national team.
Of the 16 members of the national group, Paras, a former standout from the University of the Philippines, was a member of UAAP’s 82nd Season Mythical Team that also represented the Philippines in multiple international competitions, the most recent being the Southeast Asian Games. 2017 in Malaysia, where he helped Gilas capture the gold medal.
“Kobe Paras is one of the best youngsters in the Philippines right now,” Gregorio said of Paras, who also played for the Creighton University Bluejays in the US NCAA.
“It is very important that we put players who have been before and players who have the experience of playing at a high level,” he added.
The other members of Gilas’ group are Allyn Bulanadi, Rey Suerte, Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Calvin Oftana, Kenmark Cariño, Dave Ildefonso, Dwight Ramos, Wil Navarro, Ange Kouame, Jayde Tungcab, Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño, and Justin Baltazar.
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