Reader makes sense with his take on Kobe
AS I said, winning wasn’t our main mission in the just-ended Jones Cup. We went there to train—specifically for the SEA Games blasting off next month.
There were discoveries and revelations in Taipei.
Mathew Wright was one. He could very well play internationally, his long bombs seem suited for sniping overseas.
Gio Jalalon has now become the fastest-rising rookie primed for big league wars, his heart so solid and his mindset a la scarred veteran already.
And that Filipino-German named Christian Standhardinger. Why, this 6-foot-7 dynamo is a perfect replacement for Blatche, the American mercenary.
I see Christian as a great addition to Gilas, his almost game-long tenacity and unrelenting fighting spirit a surefire asset in Kuala Lumpur.
But on Kobe Paras, I say he is still a babe in the woods. Besides the need for him to have a good trainer, Kobe has to refocus his approach to the game. But he is a project, a prospect, worth nurturing. Here’s a reader’s take on Kobe. “Sir Al, the Jones Cup was a success in terms of our preparation for the SEA Games. Indeed, successive days of playing together made the boys
know each other that well.
“But I saw how overrated Kobe Paras is. Mukhang bago sa basketbol. Sayang ang tangkad (6’6") at athleticism niya.
“If he stayed here in Manila and joined a good school, he would have been a better player by now. With his talent, he will enjoy a whole year of training here. He will be given special attention due to his size, height and talent.
“In the US where he favors over our schools, there are bigger and more talented players than him. He is treated there as an ordinary.
“Last year, he had only an average of 2 minutes playing time. In the US, the rule is they play basketball only 6 months a year. The rest is academics.
“Example is Japeth Aguilar. He played 2 years in the US and no improvement at all. He improved only when he joined the PBA.
“I do feel for our young basketeers like Kobe. For them, Manila is still the best place to develop basketball talent. Good coaches here and trainers as well all year round. “Thank you, Sir.” This should be taken by Kobe in good stride. His Dad, Benjie, too. For Kobe’s own good.