Ryan Gregorio, SBP Special Assistant to the President, believed that Paras is capable of the leadership role because of his age and experience.

“We’re counting on Kobe in terms of veteran leadership of course,” Gregorio told in a recent episode of 2OT podcast.

“Of course his track record is also exemplary, having represented the country in a lot of international competitions,” he added.

The 23-year-old cager has represented the Philippines in multiple international competitions.

Paras was part of the Gilas Youth during the 2013 SEABA Under-16 and FIBA Asia Under-18 championships. Moreover, he had a stint in Under-18 and Men’s 3×3 Basketball World Cups.

His most recent international competition was during the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia where the Philippines bagged the gold medal.

“There’s a certain pride involved every time you wear a Gilas Pilipinas uniform. Talagang nag-iiba whatever you have in mind… Individually, you just put it in the backseat and just focus on winning and having a podium finish. And of course, this part of thinking should always be part of everybody’s mental process,” continued Gregorio.

As for his collegiate year, the young cager is also a current member of the  University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons and was a UAAP Season 82 Mythical member.

“It is very important that we put in players that have been there before, and players love the experience at a high level. Lahat ‘yan meron si Kobe eh. And the maturity to do whatever is correct, not just on an individual capacity, but also how your individual skills will transform into a team advantage. ‘Yun ang mga importanteng tinitignan natin at this point,” said Gregorio.

Gilas will fly for Manama, Bahrain on Sunday for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and will be bracing for a grueling schedule.

Philippines currently stands as the sixth seed in Asia and will take on Thailand on November 27, Korea on November 28, Indonesia on November 29, and Thailand anew on November 30.