CAN former University of the Philippines star forward Kobe Paras thrive in the United States?
He faces tough odds, according to Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.
While Toroman is convinced that Kai Sotto and Thirdy Ravena made the right decision to bring their acts overseas, Toroman said the case is different with the high-flying Paras.
For him to prove he has what it takes, Paras needs exposure and be his team’s top player.
“I don’t think that the move of Paras will be that great because you can only play there (in the US) in the G League and the NBA,” Toroman said recently on Radyo5 92.3 News FM’s Power and Play program hosted by former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala.
“If you cannot be the main guy, if you’re sitting on the bench, you will not get anything from that,” he added.
The 6-foot-6 Paras opted to forego his last two years with the Fighting Maroons and was signed up by East West Private, the same firm that handles a slew of Filipino players in the US, including the 7-foot-3 Sotto.
Toroman insisted Paras must get playing time to improve.
“Otherwise, individual practice is okay, but just for one month and not for the whole season,” Toroman said. “You have to play because without playing, you cannot improve.”Paras, 23, was committed to remain with UP and help the squad end a 35-year title drought but the uncertainty of the UAAP 84th season prompted him to pack his bags.
The UAAP is eyeing to launch its new season in September should it get the green light from the government.
That plan, however, seems unlikely, especially since an end to the country’s COVID-19 pandemic woes is nowhere in sight.
