Kobe Paras slowly rediscovers form in Japan B. League

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Gilas Pilipinas young cadet small forward Kobe Paras is slowly putting up impressive numbers in the ongoing 2022-2023 Japan B. League season.

The former University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons just had another stellar shooting night and led Chiba to a 98-66 beating of Kagawa last December 26, 2022.

After facing backlashes and criticisms in his first year in Japan as an Asian import, the star swingman entered his sophomore year with a bang and finished another game with a double-digit scoring output.

Paras shot the lights out against Kagawa and delivered 18 big points built from six made three-pointers after a 14-point performance in Chiba’s last game.

Before scoring 32 points in just two days, the high-flying skipper produced 30 points last weekend and already became one of the team’s focal points in the offense.

Paras’ recent steak of offensive explosions also helped Chiba rack up nine victories in a row and are poised to move up in the team standings once the B. League resumes.

Aside from Paras’ consistent performance, the duo of Brandon Ashley and Evan Ravenel also showed out for Chiba and combined for 44 points during their demolition exhibition against Kagawa.

Kagawa missed the services of former PBA lottery pick Roosevelt Adams who moved from the Terrafirma Dyip to Japan several months ago.

If Paras will continue his streak of double-digit scoring performances, he will automatically surpass his average numbers during his rookie year.

Paras started his career in Japan with the Niigata Albirex BB and was immediately released after his one-year contract expired.