Many young Filipino players are playing in the Asian special slot in the B-League this season. Among them, Kobe Paras of Niigata Albirex BB had the first big impact. Suddenly he made a big success with 25 points in the opening round, and after that he has attracted fans with his dynamic play that makes use of his blessed physical ability. The Pallas talked about his impression of the B League and his view of basketball.
“I want many people to come and see the game and support the team.”
──Since your debut match, you have been playing an active part as a main player in Niigata due to a sudden rampage. How do you rate your play so far?
Basketball is a team sport, so I don’t care about my stats. Do anything to contribute to the victory of the team. I’m just focusing on that. It’s sad to lose the game. What is important is how hard you can work. There are many things you can’t see on social media or TV. Everyone is practicing hard. As you can see if you can see the team practice, I haven’t played well in the practice. Because my teammates have a great defense. Good performance thanks to great coaches and teammates.
──Why did you decide to come to the B League instead of continuing to play at a university in the Philippines?
Due to the influence of the new coronavirus, no university sports have been held in the Philippines for the past two years. And the B League is one of the leading professional leagues in Asia. So thank you for being here. We traveled to Japan as a team of universities and played against a strong university that represents Japan. So I asked about the development of the B League. And in 2020, Thirdy (Ravena) is the first Filipino player to play in the B-League. I knew how great the B League was.
The B League is completely different from college. Everyone knows they will fight for teams, local cities, especially boosters. It is a very competitive league with foreign players who have played in the EuroLeague and the NBA. Also, the pace is very fast. For example, the NBA is often one-to-one. The EuroLeague has different styles in each country. In the B League, most Japanese players are fast and they all go for rebounds. Physical is important in every league, but you need to get used to this pace and physical.
──What was the deciding factor in choosing Niigata?
Niigata was the only team that enthusiastically offered. He just told me that I needed a player to be a force, without setting a deadline for my reply. I am grateful for Niigata’s sincere attitude and I am happy to be a member of the team.
I didn’t know what kind of place Niigata was, and I heard from Sadie that it was a place far from Tokyo. I like it in a very peaceful city. The Philippines is always warm and Niigata still feels cold, but in the United States I spent my first year in college when it snowed. We have various facilities and are preparing for the cold.
──Please tell us your impressions of the Japanese players who became teammates.
Japanese players are among the hardest working members I have ever met. For example, Kimi (Kimitake Sato) is in his 17th year as a professional, but he is practicing hard. Also, I think Japanese people, not just basketball, are working really well. I am very impressed with this.
──Please tell us your impressions of Niigata fans.
Everyone is wonderful. This is my first time playing in Niigata, but I would like more people to come and see the game and support the team. Thanks to all the boosters. Without you, your team wouldn’t be able to get the support they have now.
“I don’t feel any pressure in basketball.”
──Did you get used to living in Japan?
Now I’m focusing on basketball and training. I love Japanese food, and I love it because everyone in Japan treats me with respect. Gyudon is often eaten in Japanese food, but sushi is No. 1. I also love yakiniku. I used to eat it when I was in the Philippines, but it’s completely different from actually eating it in Japan. It’s better that Japan is fresher and you can taste the local specialties.
──How do you feel that many Filipino players such as the Ravena brothers, Dwight Ramos, and Ray Parks Jr. are playing in the B League in addition to Pallas?
I think you are now knowing that there are many great players in the Philippines. I have never had such an opportunity. Fipilin is a developing country and has various problems such as poverty. That’s why I and my friends want to give them a lot of fun. I am really grateful to be on this team. I think it’s the same with other players such as the Ravena brothers, Dwight (Ramos), and the Riano brothers.
──Is there any pressure to be noticed in the Filipino confrontation?
I don’t feel any pressure in basketball. Every day, I feel pressure when I think of people who have a hard time buying food or lose their jobs due to a corona pandemic. I’m grateful to be able to play in the B League. Everyone in Japan is making this league great. Even in a pandemic, I am very fortunate to be in such an environment.
── With your success so far, the degree of attention to Pallas players is steadily increasing.
The current situation is thanks to my teammates. And I think the hard work has paid off, but this is just the beginning. We haven’t reached half of the season yet, and we just do everything we can every day. Focus on what you need to do now, without over-expecting yourself or your team.
Since the pandemic of the new coronavirus in 2019, I haven’t played a single basketball game at the competition level. So it’s not in its original condition yet. People often ask me what percentage, but it’s still around 80%. I have to improve the condition more.
If you look at your play, you’ll soon find yourself tired. There is also the effect of a two-week isolation life. I am grateful that I can practice every day now, and every day is an opportunity for me to improve. People’s expectations turn into disappointment, but don’t worry about it and focus on what you do. The important thing is to work hard throughout the season and hope it will be rewarded.
“Even if you lose the game, you have to see the essence of basketball.”
──Do you feel overwhelmed by the name of your father, Kobe, who was a former top player in the Philippines?
My father is a “living legend” in the Philippines. One of the greatest players in the Philippines and has given me a lot of motivation. Since I was a kid, I wanted to be a player who has a track record like my father and is supported by people. My father’s presence has never been under pressure. I am lucky to have a great father. I’m more aware of the name of Kobe, how important it has been since the death of Kobe Bryant. I just do hard work. As I said earlier, I don’t feel any pressure in basketball. I am grateful to be able to play even in the corona wreck.
──What kind of player would you like to introduce to Japanese basketball fans about Kobe Paras?
He is a player who does whatever the coach wants, whether he participates in a match or not. Basketball is a team sport and I don’t think star players or core players are special. The players on the bench are just as important as the players on the court.
──Is this idea your father’s teaching? What kind of experience is affecting you?
Since I was a kid, I’ve been interested in my surroundings. Everyone wanted me to be “someone other than myself”. Everyone was expecting something from me. By growing up in such a situation, I learned that even if I lose the game, I have to see the essence of basketball. Basketball is a team sport rather than an individual sport like chess or tennis, and players are supported by a lot of support. In addition to coaching and management, the help of people other than basketball is just as important to playing in a match.
── Finally, do you have a message for your fans?
In addition, there are many games left, and I would like everyone to support us both at the game venue and on TV. I really appreciate your support. I and the team promise to be 100% in every match.
.
