Kobe scores 22 pts in US college stint

MANILA, Philippines - Kobe Paras came away with 22 points but Los Angeles Cathedral absorbed a 50-57 defeat to Long Beach Poly in the DeMar DeRozan tournament in the US yesterday.

Los Angeles Times’ Eric Sondheimer reported that Paras’ electrifying performance wowed the crowd, who chanted “Ko-Be, Ko-Be, Ko-Be” which, in turn, inspired the 16-year-old Filipino cager.

“It’s motivation when they scream my name, I can get pumped up,” Paras told the LA Times.

Paras, who flew to the US last year to join Cathedral where he grew from a 6-3 guard to a 6-6 forward, highlighted his stint with three triples before fouling out with 48 seconds to go.

In this particular game against Poly, Paras stepped up in the absence of Lucas Siewert, a 6-10 junior from Brazil known for his shooting skills, manned the slot and guarded 6-8 Jordan Dallas with some success.

“He’s OK,” Cathedral coach William Middlebrooks told the LA Times, referring to Paras, member of the Phl team that made it to last year’s FIBA 3x3 World Championship in Jakarta where he also emerged the slam dunk champion after besting rivals from the US, Spain and China. 

“He’s got a lot to learn,” he added.