What to Expect from Andre Paras in the PBA Draft and His Potential Impact

As someone who's been covering Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen numerous promising talents enter the PBA draft, but Andre Paras brings something genuinely unique to the table. Watching Rain or Shine struggle against TNT in their current best-of-seven series, trailing 2-1 and fighting to level things up in Wednesday's Game 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena, I can't help but think about how players like Paras could shift these competitive dynamics in future seasons. The league is constantly evolving, and what teams need right now are game-changers who can alter series outcomes with both skill and presence.

I remember first noticing Paras during his UAAP days, where he averaged around 8.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game - decent numbers that don't fully capture his impact on the court. What stands out to me isn't just his statistics but his basketball IQ, something he clearly inherited from his legendary father, Benjie Paras. The kid understands spacing, timing, and defensive rotations in a way that many young players simply don't. In today's PBA, where teams like Rain or Shine are searching for that extra edge against powerhouse squads like TNT, having a rookie who can read the game could be invaluable.

The current playoff series between Rain or Shine and TNT perfectly illustrates why someone like Paras could make an immediate impact. Watching Game 3, I noticed how both teams struggled with interior defense at critical moments. This is exactly where I believe Paras could contribute from day one. His shot-blocking instinct, combined with his ability to secure defensive rebounds in traffic, addresses two needs that multiple PBA teams have right now. At 6'5" with his wingspan, he could realistically average 1.5 blocks and 8-9 rebounds in his rookie season if given consistent minutes.

Offensively, I see him developing into more than just a traditional big man. His mid-range shooting has improved significantly over the past two seasons, and I've noticed he's comfortable taking that 15-foot jumper when left open. While he might not be a primary scoring option initially, his ability to space the floor could create driving lanes for guards - something that would benefit teams like Rain or Shine, who rely heavily on perimeter creation. I'd project him scoring around 10-12 points per game in his first season, with that number potentially rising to 15-16 by his third year if he continues developing his offensive repertoire.

What really excites me about Paras, though, is his mental toughness. Having grown up around the game with a father who's both a PBA legend and former MVP, Andre understands the pressures of professional basketball in ways most rookies never will. This mental preparation could help him avoid the typical rookie slumps and contribute meaningfully right away. In high-pressure situations like Game 4 of a heated playoff series, that composure becomes invaluable.

The business side of basketball matters too, and from a marketing perspective, Paras brings immediate value. His family name recognition alone will drive ticket sales and merchandise revenue for whatever team drafts him. I've seen estimates suggesting a player with his recognition could increase a team's sponsorship revenue by 15-20% in their first season. While winning ultimately drives business success, having marketable stars helps teams build the financial foundation for long-term competitiveness.

Looking at specific team needs, Rain or Shine's current frontcourt struggles against TNT highlight exactly why they might consider drafting Paras if he's available. Their big men combined for only 24 rebounds in Game 3, and they've been outrebounded by an average of 7.3 boards per game in the series. Paras's rebounding prowess could directly address this weakness. Similarly, teams like NorthPort and Phoenix could benefit from his skill set as they look to build competitive rosters.

I do have some concerns about his foot speed defending quicker forwards on the perimeter, and his free throw shooting needs work - he shot around 65% from the line in his final college season, which won't cut it in clutch PBA moments. But these are coachable issues, and I'm confident he'll address them with professional training.

The PBA draft is always unpredictable, but based on team needs and Paras's projected development curve, I'd place him as a likely top 5 pick. He might not be an immediate superstar, but he's the type of player who can help good teams become great and struggling teams become competitive. As we watch Rain or Shine battle to even their series against TNT, it's clear that the difference between winning and losing often comes down to having players who can tip the scales in those crucial moments. Andre Paras has the potential to be exactly that kind of difference-maker for whichever franchise is smart enough to draft him.